In a context where traditional tobacco consumption is in decline, the use of nicotine among young people seems to be taking a new form, more discreet but just as worrying. Zyn nicotine sachets, which gradually release nicotine once placed against the gum, are gaining popularity, particularly in school settings. According to Kelly Donoghue, a teacher at Dorchester School District 2 in Summerville (USA), this trend towards the use of smoke-free nicotine products is clearly evident among high school students, although she has never directly observed a student in consume in class. The discretion of these products makes their detection difficult, unlike traditional smoking which, by its smell, easily betrays smokers.
A study led by Brandon Sanford of the Medical University of South Carolina finds that although combustible tobacco use (cigarettes and cigars) is declining, nicotine use remains relatively stable, primarily due to vaping. . The study indicates a 21% increase in nicotine absorption through vaping between 2013 and 2021, while smoking decreased by 18%. This situation is particularly alarming in South Carolina, where easy and discreet access to nicotine increases the risk of addiction.
Nicotine pouches like Zyn, which offer a slow release but with a high concentration of nicotine, pose a particular risk. Contrary to initial expectations, most new users of these smokeless nicotine products did not transition from cigarettes, but adopted them as their first contact with nicotine. This contradicts the idea that these products could be used to reduce cigarette consumption.
The health implications of nicotine use in any form, particularly among young people whose brains are not yet fully developed, are serious. Ashley Bodiford, director of prevention at the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Lexington/Richland, notes that exposure to substances before the age of 25 significantly increases the risk of developing substance-related disorders. substance use. This has prompted teachers across the state to report an increase in the use of these devices by young people.
Faced with this problem, Beth Bernstein, Democratic State Representative for Richland County, is proposing legislation aimed at restricting minors' access to tobacco retailers and strengthening penalties for violations by them. Additionally, a recent lawsuit against Philip Morris, maker of Zyn sachets, raises concerns about the way these products are marketed to minors and provides insufficient information about potential dangers, such as addiction and various health problems. .
Despite the concerns, some experts, like Sanford, consider that the use of vaping products and nicotine pouches remains preferable to that of combustible products. However, Bodiford's organization has noted an increase in requests from schools for assistance in developing policies regarding nicotine use on campus, suggesting a greater need for assistance programs rather than simple sanctions. .
