The uncontrolled release of the sale of nicotine pouches instantly created a young user base. Electronic cigarettes, on the other hand, have become a phenomenon with the help of social media.
Before a larger proportion of young Finns use some tobacco or nicotine product. The change is based on new, very attractive products, such as electronic cigarette-like “vapes” and nicotine pouches.
The uncontrolled release of the sale of nicotine pouches instantly created a young user base. Vapes, on the other hand, have become a phenomenon with the help of social media. At the same time, schools and educational institutions have to deal with the use of products on a daily basis. Disturbances arise from use and trading in the school premises and during teaching.
The tobacco industry the lifeblood is creating a new nicotine-addicted generation over and over again. Its strategy is to correct the declining consumption of traditional cigarettes and to increase profits by constantly developing products that appeal to new target groups. Talk about the harmlessness of the products is misleading.
Now the tobacco and nicotine industry is getting what it wants in Finland, unless we change course. In Finland, where we have long been pioneers in the prevention of smoking and nicotine addiction.
Parliamentary a proposal to amend the Tobacco Act is coming up for consideration, which would allow the sale of exceptionally strong nicotine pouches. This is despite the fact that the 20 milligram limit presented earlier was considered clearly too high in the opinion round – also in the opinion of Tukes, who had previously set that limit based on chemical legislation. Now the government proposes a limit of 16.6 milligrams, which is still high. The Poisons Information Center and the Institute of Health and Welfare proposed a maximum limit of 8 milligrams. In Sweden, the limit has just been proposed to be 12 milligrams.
“
The nicotine industry is getting what it wants if we don't change course.
All nicotine products cause and maintain addiction and harm health. The amount of nicotine in nicotine pouches should be set so low that the supply steers away from extremely strong products and reduces the risk of nicotine poisoning. The amount of nicotine presented now threatens to get young people hooked on nicotine from even a small amount of use.
Menthol is one of the most important additives that make tobacco and nicotine products attractive, and facilitate the absorption and use of nicotine. If menthol, mint and other flavors are allowed in nicotine pouches, it is even more important to ensure by other means that the products do not attract young people or increase nicotine addiction and health problems. In addition to reducing the amount of nicotine, the key here is raising the age limit for tobacco and nicotine products to 20 years.
of the UN the agreement on the rights of the child obliges to always evaluate the child's best interest and give it priority in decision-making. Parliament must also put the well-being of children and young people ahead of the interests of the tobacco and nicotine industry. Allowing new nicotine products on the market does not advance the goal of the Tobacco Act. The Tobacco Act must protect current and future generations.
Hanna Ollila
specialist
Nicotine Communication Network
Jaana Markkula
development manager
Department of Health and Welfare
The reader's opinions are speeches written by HS readers, which have been selected and edited by the HS editorial board. You can leave an opinion piece or familiarize yourself with the principles of writing at the address www.hs.fi/kiryotamielipidekeisuis/.
#Reader39s #Opinion #young #people #hooked #nicotine
