New Tobacco Craze Sweeping U.K.
With vaping seeing a dramatic decrease in popularity in recent years, another trend known as Snus has become popular among teenagers from the United Kingdom and parts of the States.
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Pronounced “snooze,” the product refers to tobacco pouches and small nicotine pods, once used by those trying to stop smoking.
Dip Origins in Sweden
The small pods, which resemble tiny tea bags, are also called dip and have been used in Scandinavian nations such as Sweden for decades.
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Typically, a user will place one of the small pouches or pods under their top lip, and it will slowly release nicotine into the bloodstream for up to two hours.
TikTok Sensation Attracting Teens
Recently, teens across the U.K. have become infatuated with the pouches after seeing videos of the product on TikTok, per The Daily Mail.
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Brands such as Nordic Spirit and Killa use clever marketing techniques and release flavors such as cola and watermelon, to attract the younger generations.
Modern Celebs Further Increase Popularity
The increased popularity in the United Kingdom over the past decade could have partly been influenced by celebrities who use Snus.
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English soccer star Jamie Vardy has been spotted with tins of snus on several occasions. The British YouTuber and face of the Prime drink company, KSI, has also been seen using the tobacco pouches.
Not Legal in the United Kingdom
While British teens appear to enjoy Snus, it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to purchase pouches and pods.
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Most of the products are sold online from websites that spend considerable time on marketing. Users are asked to confirm their age, and after placing an order, the Snus will arrive within a few days.
Heavy Hit of Nicotine
As the nicotine pods were initially intended to be used by those trying to quit smoking, they pack a heavy dose of nicotine.
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A regular pouch will have around 4mg per dose. Yet, others can have as much as 30mg, which is over twice that of a typical cigarette, which comes in at 12mg.
Rising Worry from Parents
Limited data leaves users without fundamental knowledge of the potential long-term effects of tobacco pouches.
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However, many health experts have begun to hypothesize a link between Snus and oral cancer, heart disease, and respiratory conditions.
Doctor Speaks About Potential Health Risks
Speaking in an interview with The Daily Mail, Dr. Naveed Akhtar argues just because the pods are healthier alternatives to smoking doesn’t mean they don’t produce health concerns of their own.
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“When comparing Snus to smoking and vaping, it’s crucial to recognize that all three have health risks. Smoking remains one of the most hazardous behaviors, with a plethora of health issues associated with it,” said Dr. Akhtar.
Snus Not a Safe Option
According to the doctor, those seeking to live a healthy lifestyle should still be aware of the potential dangers associated with Snus.
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“Snus, in this context, might be a less harmful alternative to smoking but should not be seen as a safe option and still carries health risks, including links to heart disease, oral health, and overall fitness,” he told The Daily Mail.
Doctor Claims More Data Is Needed
Dr. Sarah Brown, who wrote a piece for the Nursing Times last year, claims more research must be completed to better understand the long-term health effects of smokeless tobacco.
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“This should include data on usage, perceptions, and how products are acquired, with work in schools to make pupils, parents, and teachers aware of any dangers. The legal loophole whereby nicotine pouches are unregulated and can be sold to children needs to be addressed,” she told The Daily Mail.
Brown Calls to the Parents
Since publishing the article, Dr. Brown has also pleaded with parents across the U.K. to read up on the dangers associated with Snus.
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She’s called on health experts to “make parents who use them aware of the dangers of nicotine poisoning to children, and ill-advised statements regarding the safety of smokeless tobacco need to be challenged.”