LIP ALERT
Urgent warning after ‘alarming’ rise of strong illicit nicotine pouches that could trigger seizures and breathing issues
Most pouches usually have between six and 20mg of nicotine, but some hit much more
SUPER strength nicotine pouches being sold in the UK could put young people at risk of an accidental overdose, experts have warned.
The small sachets, which sit snugly under the lip, are mostly unregulated and there’s currently no law stopping children buying them.
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Trading Standards teams in Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Dorset have seized more than 1,500 illegal nicotine products in the past year, according to the BBC.
And officials in Oxfordshire say they’re seeing a sharp rise in dodgy versions with potentially dangerous nicotine levels.
Because these products are still relatively new, there are no specific rules on advertising, strength, or age limits.
For now, they fall under General Product Safety Regulations, which simply require clear labelling in English with safety guidelines.
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"Nicotine is a poison," Jody Kerman, head of Trading Standards at Oxfordshire County Council told the news organisation.
"You need to know who to contact if something goes wrong, what to do if you swallow it, how many is safe to have over a period of time.
"If it's not in English how are you supposed to know how to use it safely?"
He added that the rising interest in these products is likely driven by footballers, influencers, and social media.
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A recent study found that one in five professional footballers surveyed used nicotine pouches, often referred to as 'snus'.
Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is among players who admitted using nicotine pouches to "help him chill out" and was pictured carrying it at Euro 2016.
Sam Wardrop calls out footballers who use 'snus'
Snus and nicotine pouches are different products, but both placed between the gum and the lip or cheek to release nicotine into the bloodstream.
Snus is a smokeless tobacco product that originated in Sweden but became illegal to sell in the UK in 1992.
Nicotine pouches, which are tobacco-free, became a popular alternative.
Overall, use in the UK is still low.
The latest research suggests around five per cent of adults and three per cent of under-18s have ever tried them.
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What are the risks?
Nicotine pouches sit in the mouth for 20 minutes, releasing nicotine through the gums and straight into the bloodstream.
They're advertised as a safer alternative to cigarettes or vaping because they don't contain the carcinogens or metals found with traditional e-cigarettes and are not inhaled.
Most pouches usually have between six and 20mg of nicotine, but some hit 50mg – that’s about five times stronger than a regular cigarette.
Some of the illegal ones claim to have up to 150mg, though tests show the actual amount can vary a lot.
While it's unlikely that too much nicotine will kill you, it can lead to some pretty nasty and dangerous side effects, like vomiting, a faster heart rate, rapid breathing, and even seizures.
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, senior lecturer in clinical biochemistry/toxicology at the University of Derby, said the nicotine content of the pouches should still be cause for concern.
He said: "As nicotine pouches and strips are new products, the long-term human health impact is still not fully understood.
"But nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet and has considerable biologic activity and is known to be harmful to lungs, heart and kidneys and the immune system.
"Other minor side-effects include irritation of the gums, tooth decay, mouth sores and nausea."
Nyree Whitley, chief clinical officer at , said while nicotine pouches may seem a good alternative to vaping, they can have a detrimental effect on oral health.
She warned: "It’s a common misconception that smokeless forms of nicotine come with less risk.
"By holding the pouch against your gums for extended periods of time, the risk of developing gum disease and tooth loss is much higher than in those who don’t use nicotine-based products.
"More common side effects of nicotine pouches may include gum irritation, receding gums, yellowed or stained teeth, and ulcers.
"If gum disease has already become apparent as a result of nicotine pouches, it may be more difficult to reverse these side effects.
"But if you are concerned about your oral health as a result of consuming nicotine-based products such as nicotine pouches, contact your dentist for tailored advice and support.”
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The Department of Health and Social Care said: "Snus is harmful and illegal to sell in the UK, which is why we are cracking down on illicit retailers by boosting funding for enforcement on the high street and at the border.
"Our Tobacco and Vapes Bill will put us on track for a smoke-free UK and stop vapes and nicotine products, including nicotine pouches, from being marketed to children."
Nicotine replacement therapy
The main reason people smoke is because they're addicted to nicotine.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a medicine that provides you with a low level of nicotine, without the tar, carbon monoxide and other poisonous chemicals present in tobacco smoke.
It can be bought from pharmacies and some shops, and is also available on prescription from a doctor or NHS stop smoking service.
It's available as:
- skin patches
- chewing gum
- inhalators (which look like plastic cigarettes)
- tablets, oral strips and lozenges
- nasal and mouth spray
There's no evidence that any single type of NRT is more effective than another.
But there is good evidence to show that using a combination of NRT is more effective than using a single product.
Treatment with NRT usually lasts eight to 12 weeks, before you gradually reduce the dose and eventually stop.
Source: NHS
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