In a startling revelation, a report by Dennis Campbell has exposed the alarming trend of nicotine pouches among UK teenagers, with a staggering 1 in 8 youngsters aged between 14 and 17 years old admitting to using these products. These nicotine pouches, often referred to as ‘snus,’ resemble small sachets of tobacco and are available in various flavors. They are consumed by placing them inside the mouth, where they release nicotine, providing a quick fix.
According to a survey conducted by Deltapoll for Future Health Consultancy, 13% of the 500 teenagers surveyed in England, Scotland, and Wales had tried nicotine pouches, while 30% of them claimed to use them at least once a week. The majority of these teenagers claimed to have obtained the pouches from friends or purchased them from stores where there are no age restrictions on their sale.
The report has raised serious concerns about the increasing popularity of nicotine pouches among young people and the potential risks of nicotine addiction. While these products may not pose the same cancer risks as traditional tobacco products, they can still lead to nicotine addiction and dental problems. The proposed crackdown by the British government aims to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to those aged 18 and above, in addition to implementing measures such as packaging changes, limited flavor options, and reduced nicotine levels to make these products less appealing to young people.
Former Health Secretary Steve Brine, in a statement, expressed concerns about the unregulated nature of nicotine pouches, which are being aggressively marketed to young people through various channels, including social media and music festivals. He also pointed out that most of the well-known brands of nicotine pouches are owned by tobacco companies, which are constantly looking for new business opportunities to hook young people on nicotine.
The growing concern over nicotine pouches has also led to increased scrutiny of the tobacco industry’s practices. The British government’s proposed Tobacco and Vape Products Bill aims to restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to those aged 18 and above, in addition to implementing measures to make these products less appealing to young people.
Meanwhile, other news stories from around the world include a dramatic turn of events in India, where a woman was arrested for allegedly murdering her husband and then disposing of his body in a river. In the United States, President Donald Trump has weighed in on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, warning that those who associated with the disgraced financier may suffer reputational damage. The US government has also announced plans to withdraw its ambassadors from 30 countries, in line with the “America First” policy.
In other news, tensions have escalated between Bangladesh and India, with Bangladesh suspending its diplomatic missions in New Delhi. The situation in Lebanon remains volatile, with reports of ceasefire violations by the Israeli military. In the UK, the new Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned that the country’s exit from the European Convention on Human Rights would be a major mistake, as it would undermine efforts to reduce pressure on immigration.
In other news from around the world, a Pakistani police officer has been arrested for allegedly torturing a woman in custody. In India, a former army officer has been arrested for murdering a woman in a train. A medical examiner has confirmed that the death of a 16-year-old Pakistani boy was a result of hanging.
