Public health groups have expressed concern over a planned Zyn facility in Western Kentucky, citing potential risks to youth. The groups argue that the investment by a tobacco company sends a message that the state supports tobacco and nicotine use, potentially profiting from it.
With cigarette smoking on the decline, the tobacco industry has shifted focus to products like flavored e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Zyn nicotine pouches, described as "smokeless and spitless," have gained popularity through social media platforms such as TikTok. A study reported a 641% increase in sales of these products between 2019 and 2022, although only 2.9% of U.S. adults had used them by 2022. However, youth usage has surged, with data from 2023 indicating that 400,000 youths in the U.S. currently use nicotine pouches—double the number from 2021.
The public health groups highlighted concerns about these products being littered on school campuses and their lack of authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making them illegal on the market. They argued that while these smokeless nicotine products are marketed as safer alternatives to cigarettes, studies have found harmful chemicals in many samples.
A study conducted in 2022 revealed that out of 44 nicotine pouch products tested, 26 contained cancer-causing chemicals along with other harmful substances such as ammonia, chromium, formaldehyde, nickel, pH adjusters, and nicotine salt. The high levels of nicotine present in these pouches pose significant risks to young people’s health.
Nicotine use is known to harm developing brains and is associated with lower academic performance and an increased risk of addiction to other substances later in life. Continuous use can also lead to cardiovascular disease. If current trends persist, it is projected that 5.6 million children alive today will die prematurely due to illnesses related to tobacco and nicotine products.
The groups emphasized that while economic growth is important for Kentucky's future, it should not come at the expense of public health. They urged for stricter regulation on sales of these products to minors and increased funding for prevention efforts.
