Concerns Arise About Nicotine Pouch Usage Among Young Australians
Experts are expressing concerns about the high prevalence of nicotine pouch use among young Australians, revealed in a recent survey. This comes in the midst of a crackdown on vaping in the country.
The survey, which targeted Australians aged 16 to 39, found that 26 percent had used nicotine pouches before. These pouches are small bags filled with nicotine that dissolve in the mouth to deliver the substance into the bloodstream. It is illegal to buy or sell them without a prescription.
Despite this, the survey of 1,598 participants showed that 19 percent had used nicotine pouches in the last 30 days, with one-third obtaining them from tobacco shops.
According to Jongenelis, it is crucial for governments to remain vigilant against attempts by the industry to attract the next generation of users.
Amid Vape Crackdown, Rise in Alternative Products
These findings coincide with Australia’s strict regulations on vaping, which now mandates that vapes be sold only in pharmacies and limits available flavors to mint, menthol, and tobacco.
Jongenelis advocates for the enforcement of new vape laws to encompass other illicit nicotine products, highlighting the need to address emerging addictive products targeted at young Australians.
“With the current focus on vapes, it comes as no surprise that the industry and its allies are quietly pushing a new addictive product to young Australians,” she expressed concerns, adding, “Adolescents gaining access to these addictive products is worrying.”
In this photo illustration, a selection of disposable vapes with bright and colourful packaging are seen in London on Jan. 29, 2024. Leon Neal/Getty Images
Rachael Anderson, Director of Quit, criticized the tobacco industry for its predatory practices aimed at hooking new customers.
“The introduction of new products by Big Tobacco is simply another tactic to addict vulnerable young individuals to nicotine,” Anderson highlighted. She expressed concerns regarding the potential health risks associated with nicotine pouch use and the rapid development of dependence on them.
Appeal of Nicotine Pouches
Nicotine pouches are enticing to young Australians due to their discreet nature and the variety of flavors they come in, often containing sweeteners. Among participants using nicotine pouches, 34 percent cited liking the available flavors as a reason for use.
An additional 32 percent mentioned using the pouches to aid in smoking cessation. The study also identified that men and individuals currently using tobacco or e-cigarettes were more likely to use nicotine pouches.
