Poland is taking steps to ban nicotine pouches following warnings from health experts about the potential for serious health issues, including various types of cancer. The growing popularity of these small parcels containing synthetic nicotine, which are placed on the gums, has raised concerns among health professionals and government officials alike.

Nicotine pouches have been gaining traction in Poland as an alternative to smoking or vaping. However, health experts caution that these products simply trade one health risk for another. They warn that the use of nicotine pouches can lead to cancers of the mouth, throat, and pancreas, as well as cardiovascular problems.

Poland has already banned pouches containing tobacco, known by the Swedish term “snus,” in line with a European Union directive. However, the current legislation does not cover pouches containing synthetic nicotine, which have recently reemerged on the market.

In response to the growing concern, Polish Health Minister Izabela Leszczyna has announced that officials are working on a bill to ban pouches containing synthetic nicotine. Speaking to public broadcaster TVP Info on Friday, Leszczyna stated, “What we’re talking about are pouches with synthetic nicotine, which have reappeared. In the law that we’re working on, they will be banned because they may only be used as a medical product.”

While Leszczyna could not provide a specific timeline for when the plan would become law, she expressed her desire to have the draft ready by the end of the year.