Parents and carers are being warned about an increasingly popular new nicotine product that children can legally buy in person and online without proof of age.
Nicotine pouches, which some suppliers market in similar ways to sweets to make them more appealing to consumers, have no limits on their strength.
This makes these pouches extremely addictive, especially to young people who are more sensitive to their effects.
The government is currently seeking to bring in new laws to ensure young people can’t get access to these products, but these are not yet in effect.
Free samples are being given out in places such as train stations, shopping centres and festivals in an effort to encourage people to try the product.
People can also order free sample packs online and have them delivered to their door.
Deputy leader of Rochdale Borough Council and cabinet member for health, Councillor Daalat Ali, said:
“It is very concerning to see how accessible this new product is, especially to our children and young people – in fact I find it quite scary how freely available it is.
“As we all know, nicotine can be highly addictive for young people, with evidence telling us their brain can be more sensitive to its addictive effects.
“Until new legislation is introduced to restrict its availability, I strongly urge all parents and carers to be mindful of these pouches and their effects, as they are not sweets by any means and they should be avoided.”
Given the strength of some pouches, there are some reports of children fainting after consumption, showcasing the damaging impact it can have.
If addicted, young people can become dependent on the product, with physical and psychological factors making it difficult for them to stop, even if they want to quit.
The pouches, which are placed in between a person’s lips and gums to release nicotine and flavours into the blood stream, have been used by some professional athletes because of unproven claims they have performance enhancing benefits.
The pouches are sometimes also referred to as Snus, although Snus is a tobacco product that is illegal in the UK.
Anyone who is worried about their child and any nicotine product, including vapes, cigarettes and shisha can get support from local school nurses.
Concerned parents can also make a referral using the NHS online portal.
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