The South Central Public Health District says with new tobacco free products

On Feb 19, 2024

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fewer high schoolers are vaping.

While the numbers are trending down there has been a rise in teens using nicotine pouches.

Cody Orchard with the South Central Public Health District said they have seen teens using nicotine pouches as a substitute for their cravings.

Because the pouches go in your mouth teens are using them in school during class.

Orchard said just because they are a tobacco-free product that doesn’t mean there aren’t still health risks.

“Nicotine can still increase heart rate, increase blood pressure, it restricts the blood vessels so it makes it harder for blood to get to your brain or your feet. So, I always tell people if they’re diabetic, a lot of times, smoking, vaping chewing, or whatever isn’t like the best thing for diabetics it can actually lead to a decrease to the feet.”

Orchard said Congress is in the early stages of making a law that would prevent companies from marketing to teens by restricting certain flavors.