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11th January 2024
12:32pm GMT
As a parent of preteens and teenagers, it may feel like there is always something new popping up on TikTok to influence their young minds.
For the most part, content across the app is simply just a source of entertainment, dance routines, and trends.
However, it has been known for introducing minors to more harmful content, namely vaping, and more recently, 'Snus'.
If you aren't aware of what 'Snus' is, it's a smokeless, moist powder tobacco product that originates from Sweden.
It is placed between the upper lip and gum for extended periods of time without the need to burn it or spit it out.
@podplugonline #snus #nicotinepouch #snustok #fyp #podplug #mkpodplug #snuslovers #unitedkingdom #uksnus #rickandmortysnus ♬ Chocolate Charva - SoundCloud Bangers
With over 2.1 billion views under the #Snus on the video platform, it's becoming a widely used alternative to smoking or vaping.
However, much of the packaging of the products is colourful, has enticing flavours, and looks like sweet treats.
@snus.town #snus #snustown #snusljus #fyp #snussking #nicotinepouches #snusmemes ♬ original sound - Snus Town | SHOP Now
A former Snus user backed this up when speaking to The Mirror about her previous addition to the product and urged young people to stay clear.
"Do not dabble in nicotine pouches. You will get hooked," Maya Orjiekwe, 24, told the outlet.
"Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet.”
According to Michael Steinberg, MD, MPH, director of the tobacco dependence program at Rutgers University, the product is less harmful than cigarettes but still comes with its risks.
"But there’s a big difference between ‘less harmful’ and safe", Steinberg told WebMD.
The publication also reports that studies found pancreatic cancer rates are higher in Snus users, however, not every study shows that link.
Snus is also connected to a greater chance of heart failure, diabetes, and cancers of the cheeks and gum.
It's important to note that these studies haven't proven that Snus causes those illnesses, rather they show a link, not cause and effect.
Meanwhile, Healthline reports that the side effects correlated with nicotine pouches may vary on the person and can pose health risks.
These can include mouth or gum irritation, nausea, and nicotine dependence, according to the outlet.
@samwardrop If you want cancer, take snus. A horrible trend which I’ve seen in football.
♬ Paris - Else
