WARNING AS 'SNUS' FIRMS TARGET KIDS

Youngsters switching from vapes to pouches to help fool teachers

- BY DAN VEVERS

UNREGULATED oral nicotine pouches on the rise among teenage users are seeing companies profit at the detriment of health, a charity has warned.

Known as “snus” or “upper deckies”, under-18s can currently legally buy the tobacco-free sachets which are placed between the top lip and gum for a super-strong nicotine hit.

A landmark Scottish study has found an increasing number of kids like the pouches because they are “discreet” compared to smoking or vaping with many teachers not aware of them.

But pupils also reported a raft of negative effects like gum pain, burning sensations in the mouth and throat, sickness, sweating and fainting.