Nicotine Pouches Surge in Popularity Among UK Teens, Raising Health Concerns
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A growing number of teenagers in the United Kingdom are using nicotine pouches, sparking alarm among health experts and prompting goverment action. A recent survey reveals that one in eight individuals aged 14 to 17 have experimented with the products, ofen marketed as a safer alternative to smoking, but carrying their own set of potential health risks.
The Rise of “Snus” and Its Appeal to Youth
These small, flavored sachets – also known as “snus” – are designed to be held in the mouth to deliver a dose of nicotine. Unlike traditional cigarettes, they do not involve combustion and thus eliminate the risk of cancer associated with smoking. However, this doesn’t equate to harmlessness. The survey, conducted among 500 teenagers across England, Scotland, and Wales, found that 13% have used nicotine pouches, with 30% reporting weekly use.
The ease of access is a important factor driving the trend.Most teenagers obtain the pouches from friends or purchase them in shops with no age restrictions currently in place. This lack of regulation has fueled concerns about nicotine addiction and potential oral health problems,including mouth and dental issues.
Teenager Concerns and Calls for Regulation
Teenagers have encountered advertisements for nicotine pouches, primarily in retail stores and on social media platforms. A substantial majority – 73% – advocate for restrictions on their promotion, sale, and use. Furthermore, 63% believe it should be illegal for under-18s to purchase the pouches, and 59% support the inclusion of health warnings.
Health Risks Beyond Oral Concerns
While initial health concerns centered on oral health – including dry mouth, gum lesions, and receding gums – emerging research suggests broader implications. Studies indicate that high-nicotine pouches (30mg) may led to greater nicotine uptake than cigarettes and contribute to increased arterial stiffness.
International health experts, writing in the European Heart Journal, emphasized that “nicotine is toxic to the heart and blood vessels, regardless of whether it is consumed via a vape, a pouch, a shisha or a cigarette.” They expressed particular concern about the escalating use of nicotine products among adolescents and young adults.
Gen Z driving the Nicotine Boom
separate research published in The Lancet Public Health reveals a significant surge in nicotine use across Britain, largely driven by members of Generation Z, particularly young men. The proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds using nicotine has jumped from 0.7% in 2022 to 4% this year, according to the study led by Dr. Harry tattan-Birch of University College London.
“Pouches have a substantially lower risk to health than cigarettes and are likely less harmful than e-cigarettes. However, they are not harmless,” Dr. Tattan-Birch cautioned.
Industry Response and Ongoing Debate
Manufacturers of nicotine pouches acknowledge the need for responsible regulation. A spokesperson for Zyn, a brand owned by Philip Morris International, asserted that smoke-free products have aided millions in quitting cigarettes, and highlighted that 96% of teenagers have not tried the pouches, according to data from Ash.
However, concerns remain about the potential impact of stricter regulations on smokers seeking alternatives. Asli Ertonguc, head of British American Tobacco in the UK and western Europe, warned that a ban on advertising could hinder efforts to help smokers transition to less harmful products.
Other manufacturers, such as Japan Tobacco International (Nordic Spirit), welcome regulations prohibiting sales to minors but expressed reservations about aspects of the legislation that could “needlessly damage an emerging category.”
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) affirmed its commitment to protecting public health and preventing youth nicotine addiction. “We’re acting to protect people’s health and stop young people getting hooked on nicotine,” a DHSC spokesperson stated. “Right now, nicotine pouches are far less regulated than nicotine vapes. This will change. The tobacco and vapes bill will make it illegal to sell nicotine pouches and other nicotine products to anyone aged under 18 to keep young people safe.”
