Small Pouches, Big Risks for Children and Teens
As anti-smoking laws become increasingly restrictive in public spaces, more smokeless tobacco products are being introduced to the market. Chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine gum, and now nicotine pouches all provide the drug’s buzz without the tell-tale odor and smoke. Nicotine pouches, specifically, have gained popularity recently, with one study citing at least a 200% increase in sales in the last few years. With packets roughly the size of a piece of chewing gum, nicotine pouches are meant to be tucked between the cheek and the gums so that saliva can mix with the powder in the pouch to deliver the drug into the bloodstream. Nicotine pouches are no healthier than a traditional cigarette, and if they fall into the wrong hands, can even be deadly.
Brand names include Zone, Velo, Rogue, Zyn, Lucy, On!, Juice Head, and White Fox. The nicotine is often mixed with minty essence, but is also available in kid-friendly flavors like watermelon, dragonfruit, berry, grape, and apple. See photos below:
If not properly stored and safely secured, it would not be difficult for a young child to access these pouches. Given the brightly-colored packaging and fruity aromas, these products could be easily mistaken for candy. And while the FDA has suggested manufacturers use child-safe lids, it is not mandated, so these drug-filled pouches can easily fall into the wrong tiny hands.
Signs of nicotine poisoning include rapid heart rate, irritability, nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, sweating, and drooling. Some children with nicotine ingestion can experience narrowing of the airways that threatens their breathing, and even seizures. Like with vapes that smell like cake and marijuana edibles that look like drug store gummy candy, these not-so-hidden dangers feel like they are almost designed to entice younger children. Parents and caregivers must be extra vigilant to keep our kids safe.
