The Children’s Health Foundation is sounding the alarm: Nicotine pouches, small packets with highly concentrated nicotine, are gaining popularity among children and adolescents in Germany. Despite their illegal sale, they are easily accessible and pose significant health risks, especially due to their high addictive potential.

Nicotine pouches, also known as pouches, contain nicotine salts, flavors, and carriers that are absorbed through the oral mucosa. In contrast to snus, which is banned in the EU, they are tobacco-free, but in Germany they fall under food law and may not be sold due to their nicotine content. Nevertheless, they are available in kiosks, online shops and in private trade.

A study by the Prevention Radar 2022/2023 with over 12,000 students in grades 5 to 10 shows that 5.4 percent of respondents have consumed nicotine pouches at least once – 6.3 percent of boys and 3.5 percent of girls. Among 16- to 17-year-olds, the lifetime prevalence is 15.2 percent (boys) and 10.3 percent (girls). Adolescents with lower social status and higher risk-taking are more likely to use them, often in combination with e-cigarettes or cigarettes.

The bags are inconspicuous, odorless and visually resemble chewing gum or lip balm, which makes them easier to consume in schools. Many young people consider them harmless, although they can contain up to 50 milligrams of nicotine per pouch – far more than a cigarette with 8 to 12 milligrams. Even one pouch can cause dizziness, nausea or fainting, while regular consumption can impair brain development and cause rapid nicotine addiction. Long-term consequences have not been sufficiently researched, but experts warn of damage to the mouth, throat and throat as well as possible carcinogenic ingredients.

Many products contain extremely high amounts of nicotine – up to 50 milligrams per pouch, as reported by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). By comparison, a cigarette contains about 8 to 12 milligrams of nicotine. “Nicotine is a highly effective neurotoxin,” explains Professor Dr. Berthold Koletzko, Chairman of the Children’s Health Foundation. “Especially in adolescence, it can impair brain development and significantly increase the risk of lifelong nicotine dependence.”

The Children’s Health Foundation is calling for increased education and stricter controls to curb illegal sales. Parents are advised to talk to their children about nicotine pouches at an early stage, to pay attention to warning signs such as nausea or fatigue and to find out about new forms of consumption. Hidden consumption and targeted advertising on social media make nicotine pouches a new challenge for health protection.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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