The Dutch health institute RIVM has discovered that some tobacco-free smoking products contain nicotine levels 18 to 25 times higher than the recommended limit. This finding follows an investigation conducted on behalf of the health ministry.

These nicotine sticks, introduced in the Netherlands in 2024, resemble regular cigarettes but are flavored and used with a special device similar to a vape. Currently, there are no European regulations in place to control the amount of nicotine in tobacco-free nicotine products.

The RIVM advises that the legal limit for these products should align with the existing limit for tobacco products. The institute’s research identified four types of nicotine sticks that significantly exceeded the recommended limit.

These excessive nicotine levels pose several health risks, including increased heart rate, lung irritation, and addiction. Reinske Talhout, a researcher involved in the study, highlighted the addictive nature of these products.

The use of flavorings to enhance the appeal of nicotine sticks is also raising concerns. Flavors are already prohibited in vapes and cigarettes.

Esther Croes, a tobacco expert at the public health institute Trimbos, emphasizes the need for strict regulations for nicotine-containing products without tobacco. She draws a parallel to Swedish snus, which uses cellulose with nicotine instead of tobacco.

Croes advocates for a ban on the introduction of new nicotine products to the market, citing the emergence of nicotine-infused toothpicks as an example of how manufacturers circumvent tobacco legislation. The Netherlands is currently grappling with a growing vape addiction among teenagers, further underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.