COLUMBUS, Ohio — A recent study commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) found that only around 25% of adults would be able to recognize oral nicotine pouches.
A press release from the cancer center stated that the products are becoming more popular with teenagers and young adults.
There’s concern among researchers at The James’ Center for Tobacco Research that these easy-to-use packets might be a “gateway to future tobacco product addiction for Gen Z.”
“We're starting to hear from college students that they find it easier to use nicotine pouches at work or in class because they are easier to conceal,” said Epidemiologist Dr. Brittney Keller-Hamilton in the release. “They also do not require you to spit excess saliva like older tobacco oral products (dip, snuff). One of my biggest concerns with nicotine pouches is that as youth experiment with these products, they might not find them to be satisfying enough to continue to meet a growing nicotine craving and then might transition to more harmful products.”
The survey involved 1,000 people over the age of 18. While around half of them said they could recognize cigarettes/e-cigarettes, just a quarter could identify a nicotine pouch. That’s despite the fact the survey found that 70% “believe nicotine pouches are harmful to health and lead to addiction.”
Keller-Hamilton said there is minimal regulation for nicotine pouches and notes that there may be less youth use if the price was increased, the flavors removed and the online sales were forbidden.
She also says in the release that these products can be purchased in low or high concentrations of nicotine. She says this appeals to those already hooked on nicotine and those just getting into it.
It’s important for parents to know what they should be looking for. Keller-Hamilton said the products are sometimes “cleverly packaged” and may look like highlighters, pens or even mints.
“Unfortunately, due to loose industry regulation, they are very easy to obtain for underage youth, and they are far from harmless. We know that when people start using any nicotine product, including nicotine pouches, before their brain is finished developing, it primes their brain for a stronger nicotine addiction and also primes their brain for addiction to other substances,” Keller-Hamilton said in the release. “It’s really important for parents to talk with their kids about the dangers of these products and seek help from their pediatrician if they’re concerned about nicotine addiction.”