5.3 Million Nicotine Pouches Litter Nature Annually

Approximately 5.3 million used nicotine pouches are discarded in nature and public areas every year, according to a report by DTU Sustain for the Danish Environmental Protection Agency. These pouches continue to contain up to 63% of the original nicotine, posing risks to animals who might eat them. While nicotine can potentially harm the environment, further research is needed to assess the extent of the threat. During a national cleanup campaign in April, over 115,000 snus and nicotine pouches were collected. There is a call for nicotine pouches to come under extended producer responsibility, similar to cigarettes, which makes companies responsible for cleanup. Media reports in recent years have chronicled cases of dogs becoming ill from ingesting these pouches. Hanne Knude Palshof, head of the Danish Veterinary Association, warns dog owners to be vigilant and advises contacting a vet immediately if a dog has consumed a nicotine product.