Icelandic Teens Lead Nordic Countries in Nicotine Pouch Use
A recent study by the Nordic Welfare Centre, spanning data from 2018 to 2024, has revealed that nearly 33 percent of Icelandic youth are now using nicotine pouches, marking the highest rate among Nordic countries. Despite this alarming trend, smoking rates remain remarkably low in Iceland, with only 6.6 percent of young people reported as smokers in 2023, compared to 12.1 to 19 percent elsewhere.
The study also highlights the significantly lower usage of nicotine pouches in neighboring countries:
- 30% in Norway
- 26.8% in Sweden
- 15.7% in Denmark
- 9% in Finland
although the age ranges assessed vary slightly across nations. The use of e-cigarettes among Icelandic youth has remained relatively stable at around 15 to 16 percent, while other Nordic countries show a range from 8.7 to 16 percent.
The Nordic Welfare Centre has issued a warning, emphasizing that nicotine is a highly addictive substance with particularly harmful effects on young people, disrupting brain development. The organization is calling for targeted prevention measures, decisive policy, and international cooperation to limit the availability and appeal of nicotine products to protect the health and well-being of the younger generation.
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