WHO Warns Nicotine Pouches Are Rapidly Spreading Among Youth Worldwide
May 2026 | By Azad News
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a strong warning over the rapid global rise of nicotine pouch products, accusing the tobacco industry of aggressively targeting young people through modern marketing strategies.
Nicotine pouches are small sachets placed between the gum and lip, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the mouth lining without traditional smoking.
In its latest report, the WHO described these products as “engineered for addiction” and expressed concern over their growing popularity among adolescents and young adults worldwide.
The organisation said nicotine pouch sales exceeded 23 billion units globally in 2024, representing an increase of more than 50 percent compared to the previous year.
According to the report, the global nicotine pouch market reached nearly $7 billion last year, with North America currently leading in sales growth.
The WHO noted that some brands have expanded rapidly in the United States, growing from a few thousand retail outlets to more than 150,000 stores within several years.
The products are also becoming increasingly popular in Europe, particularly in countries such as Germany, Poland, and Sweden, while markets in countries including Pakistan are expected to grow quickly.
Health experts warned that nicotine remains highly addictive and can seriously affect brain development in teenagers, especially areas linked to attention, learning, and long-term dependency.
The report also highlighted broader health concerns associated with nicotine use, including cardiovascular risks and potential mental health impacts.
WHO criticised companies for using sweet candy-like flavours, colourful packaging, influencer promotions, and social media campaigns designed to attract younger consumers.
Officials further condemned advertising slogans encouraging discreet use in schools, restaurants, and public places where smoking is usually prohibited.
The organisation also rejected claims by some companies that nicotine pouches are safe alternatives to cigarettes or effective tools for quitting smoking.
Conclusion
The WHO’s latest warning underscores growing global concern over nicotine pouches, as health experts call for stricter regulations to prevent rising addiction rates among young people and protect public health.
This article is a rewritten summary based on publicly available information. It has been fully paraphrased for informational purposes only and does not reproduce any original copyrighted text.
