Youth concerns about nicotine
UCSF Health’s Dr. Peter Chin-Hong joined LiveNOW’s Carel Lajara to discuss the growing level of concern about young people turning to nicotine products.
For the first time, the FDA has approved nicotine pouches as a less harmful alternative to smoking, approving Philip Morris International’s Zyn brand. While the decision highlights its potential to help adult smokers quit smoking and reduce cigarette use, it also renews concerns about flavored nicotine products that are appealing to teenagers.
Zyn pouches come in flavors such as mint, coffee, and menthol and are intended to provide a safer option for adult smokers. This approval is part of efforts to expand alternatives to traditional tobacco products.
What are Zyn nicotine pouches?
Back story:
Zyn pouches are tobacco-free nicotine products that release nicotine through the gums, similar to lozenges. Unlike cigarettes and chewing tobacco, Zyn does not contain harmful substances linked to cancer or other diseases, according to the FDA.
FDA data showed that a significant number of adult smokers switched completely to Zyn. This decision follows years of evaluation to determine the benefits of tobacco products compared to traditional tobacco products.
How does Zyn compare to other smoking methods?
Big picture:
Zyn joins FDA-approved products such as e-cigarettes and snus. However, Zyn stands out in that it is tobacco-free, which the FDA considers to be a health benefit.
As smoking rates decline, tobacco companies are turning to alternatives such as nicotine pouches. E-cigarettes have come under intense scrutiny for youth use, but less than 2% of U.S. high school and middle school students use nicotine pouches, according to federal data.
In this illustrated photo, ZYN nicotine cases and pouches are seen on a table on January 29, 2024 in New York City. (Photo illustration: Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Why are some advocates concerned?
Opposite side:
Critics are wary of flavored nicotine pouches, fearing they will attract younger users. Yolonda Richardson of the Tobacco Free Kids Campaign argued that given flavored tobacco’s history of appeal to children, the FDA should not approve flavored tobacco products.
Images of young people using nicotine pouches are trending on social media, raising concerns. Lawmakers like Sen. Chuck Schumer are calling for more scrutiny to ensure youth complaints remain limited.
What’s next for nicotine pouches?
What’s next:
Zyn will remain on the market as long as public health benefits are demonstrated without increasing use among adolescents. FDA will monitor trends and may impose restrictions as necessary.
Philip Morris, which sells Zyn through its Swedish Match division, emphasized its focus on adult smokers and said it does not use influencers or endorsements to promote its products.
sauce
This article is based on reporting from The Associated Press, statements from the FDA, and insights from public health advocates.
