Unveiling the semi volatile composition and nicotine/myosmine release dynamics of novel oral nicotine pouches

Nicotine pouches are marketed as a smokeless alternative to traditional tobacco products, delivering nicotine through a powder blend of water, salts, aromatic oils, and other additives. Building on previous work examining nicotine release under simulated use, this study assessed additional substances transferred into saliva during pouch exposure. GC-HRMS analysis revealed a broad range of compounds, including terpenes, benzene derivatives, phenols, ethers, and alcohols. Of sixty-five detected terpenes and terpenoids, only fourteen are authorized under Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008, and several constituents are known allergens or suspected carcinogens. Phthalates such as dibutyl and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-both banned in cosmetics and recognized environmental pollutants-were also present. Two chlorinated compounds, tentatively identified as 2-(1-chloroethoxy)acetaldehyde and ((chloromethoxy)methyl)benzene, were detected, though their toxicological relevance remains unknown. Quantification of myosmine, a tobacco alkaloid not permitted as a food additive, detected 0.04 mg in pouch types F and 0.03 mg in pouch S, but nothing in V. Nicotine release after 1 h in artificial saliva was highest in F (3.11 mg), followed by V (2.75 mg) and S (1.24 mg). A 50 kg child may be at risk from 25 to 50 mg nicotine, and in a worst-case scenario, consuming about ten strong pouches in an hour could approach a potentially lethal dose. These findings underscore the need for stricter regulation and comprehensive toxicological evaluation of nicotine pouch ingredients.