According to current research, ZYN nicotine pouches do not cause cancer. These products contain trace amounts of HPHCs like acetyldehyde, nickel, ammonia, and chromium. These findings have renewed speculation about nicotine pouches and their cancer links.
I read the current literature about ZYNs and compiled my findings in this guide. Here's a brief overview of what I learned:
- Nicotine pouches have a low cancer risk
- ZYN nicotine pouches can contain formaldehyde
- Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen
- Cigarettes and tobacco products have a higher cancer risk
Table Of Contents
ZYN and Cancer: Facts and Science
ZYN nicotine pouches do not contain major carcinogens, such as Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHCs). Research published in the NCBI shows that nicotine pouches have a lower cancer risk than cigarettes.
These pouches do not contain carcinogens like asbestos, benzene, arsenic, or aflatoxins. The nicotine powder in pouches comes from washed and refined tobacco plants or labs. The other ingredients in nicotine pouches also lack any major carcinogens.
However, nicotine pouches do contain formaldehyde in minor quantities. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen across the state of California. Recent information has renewed fears of nicotine pouch-induced cancer.
ZYN and Types of Cancer Risk
New research has prompted states like California to ban nicotine pouches. The main cause of these bans is nicotine abuse among youth. However, there are speculations about other side effects like cancer.
Nicotine Pouches and Lung Cancer
ZYN nicotine pouches cannot cause lung cancer. Airborne contaminants and carcinogens are the main cause of lung cancer. These pouches are smoke, spit, and tobacco-free, meaning they do not interact with the lungs in any way.
Research has established a clear link between cigarette smoke and lung cancer. According to an NIH report, smoking accounts for 90% of lung cancer risk in men and 70% cancer risk in women.
Nicotine Pouches and Stomach Cancer
ZYN pouches do not contain any carcinogens that cause stomach cancer. There is no research linking smoke-free pouches to stomach or gastric cancer. Despite this, nicotine pouches can cause digestive issues, especially affecting your urge to poop.
A 2012 report in the NCBI identified nicotine smoke as a risk factor for stomach cancers. Consistent overuse of nicotine can cause stomach ulcers, which can progress to stomach cancer.
Nicotine Pouches and Oral Cancer
Nicotine pouches might cause gum and mouth cancer, but research on the topic is nonexistent. While smokeless nicotine products contain low carcinogens, they might cause lesions or leukoplakia. These lesions can progress to gum cancer.
Researchers have also noted that nicotine pouches have a lower oral cancer risk than cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. There are no reports of nicotine pouches causing throat cancer. However, these pouches can still cause various gum diseases, like gum recession, cavities, and sore throats.
Nicotine Pouches and Prostate Cancer
ZYN nicotine pouches cannot cause prostate cancer. In fact, even cigarettes are not listed as a cause for prostate cancer. However, a 2024 research paper shows that nicotine can increase the risk of mortality by 50% for prostate cancer patients.
Furthermore, nicotine, especially cigarettes, can cause recurrences of prostate cancer. This happens because cigarette smoke and tobacco inhibit your immune system. You become weaker, which reduces your body's ability to fight cancer.
Nicotine Pouches and Heart Cancer
Nicotine pouches cannot cause heart cancer, directly or indirectly. Heart cancer (angiosarcoma) is a result of radiation or toxin exposure. Nicotine pouches do not contain any carcinogens that can promote heart cancer.
In fact, a 2024 report in the NCBI states that nicotine replacement therapy options like ZYNs reduce the risk of heart cancer. However, nicotine pouches like ZYN are risk-free. Consistent overuse of nicotine pouches:
- Increase heart attack risk
- Harden artery walls
- Raise blood pressure
Using nicotine pouches may cause cardiovascular damage. Please use these pouches as intended while following safe consumption guidelines.
Nicotine Pouches and Adrenal Cancer
Nicotine pouches do not have any links to adrenal cancer (adrenocortical carcinoma). It's a rare type of cancer that begins in the outer layer of your adrenal gland. Nicotine pouches do not contain any toxins that can contribute to adrenal cancer.
Research has established that people who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day have a higher likelihood of developing adrenal cancer. This risk also applies when you are using tobacco in other forms or shapes.
ZYN Carcinogen List: New Research
There is no official list of nicotine pouch carcinogens. However, a 2023 research paper conducted tests on ZYN nicotine pouch ingredients. They found that oral nicotine pouches contained small quantities of formaldehyde, nickel, and chromium.
Despite this, ZYNs are better than other products like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and vapes. ZYNs do not contain any polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Let's compare them all to find their grisly toxicity.
ZYN vs NRTs Cancer Risk
The research report found that ZYNs had just as much toxicity as NRTs like nicotine gum and lozenges. Both NRTs and nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, making them great for quitting smoking. Here's a comparison of their toxin concentration:
| Toxins | ZYNs | NRTs |
| Formaldehyde | Yes, Small % | Yes, Small % |
| Nickel | Yes, Small % | Yes, Small % |
| Chromium | Yes, Small % | Yes, Small % |
| Cadmium | Yes, Small % | Yes, Small % |
| Acetaldehyde | No | No |
| Ammonia | No | No |
| Uranium-235 | No | No |
| Uranium-238 | No | No |
| Total PAHs | 0 | 0 |
| Total HPHCs | 0 | 0 |
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ZYN and NRTs for sale. ZYN is the only brand authorized for sale in the US. That's why using ZYN and NRTs is considered a good smoking cessation option.
ZYNs vs Smokeless Tobacco Cancer Risk
According to a 2022 study, there are 83 carcinogens in tobacco products. Another study concluded that moist snuff has just as many carcinogens as cigarettes. ZYN nicotine pouches have less than 1/8th of the carcinogens in snuff. Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Toxins | ZYNs | Smokeless Tobacco |
| Formaldehyde | Yes, Small % | Yes |
| Nickel | Yes, Small % | Yes |
| Chromium | Yes, Small % | Yes |
| Cadmium | Yes, Small % | Yes |
| Acetaldehyde | No | Yes |
| Ammonia | No | Yes |
| Uranium-235 | No | Yes |
| Uranium-238 | No | Yes |
| Total PAHs | 0 | 6/7 |
| Total HPHCs | 4/10 | 7/10 |
Smokeless tobacco can also cause various gum and digestive issues. ZYN nicotine pouches have minimal carcinogen concentration because they use refined powder.
ZYNs vs Cigarettes Cancer Risk
A study of 44 nicotine pouch products found that 26 products contained TSNAs. However, most of these were in small quantities. On the other hand, cigarettes contain countless cancer-causing toxins. Here's an overview of the toxins:
| Toxins | ZYNs | Cigarettes |
| Formaldehyde | Yes, Small % | Yes |
| Nickel | Yes, Small % | Yes |
| Chromium | Yes, Small % | Yes |
| Cadmium | Yes, Small % | Yes |
| Acetaldehyde | No | Yes |
| Ammonia | No | Yes |
| Uranium-235 | No | Yes |
| Uranium-238 | No | Yes |
| Total PAHs | 0 | 7/7 |
| Total HPHCs | 0 | 10/10 |
Cigarettes had the highest number of toxins and carcinogens (including NNK and NNN), followed by moist snuff and chewing tobacco. These chemicals are formed during the curing process. Consistent smoking can flood your body with these chemicals.
FAQs on ZYN Nicotine Pouch Cancer Risks
How bad is ZYN for your mouth?
ZYN nicotine pouches can cause gum disease and recession. The nicotine in these pouches reduces the blood supply to your gums. It increases the likelihood of developing cavities and tooth rot.
Is ZYN worse than vaping?
ZYN nicotine pouches are better than vaping, because the latter contains carcinogens, toxins, and glycerol. Vapes can damage your lungs and infect your body with microplastics. ZYN nicotine pouches are less addictive and have fewer toxins.
What are the dangers of ZYN?
ZYNs include risks like nicotine addiction, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and harm to brain development. Long-term use may raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and gum irritation.
Is ZYN safer than Chew?
Are ZYN flavorings toxic?
No, ZYN uses non-toxic, food-grade flavorings. These flavorings are entirely toxin-free and have zero health risks. ZYNs are also calorie-free because they use sugar-free flavors and sucralose.
Bottom Line on Do ZYNs Cause Cancer
Current research states that ZYN nicotine pouches cannot cause cancer. However, these pouches do contain formaldehyde, nickel, and chromium in small quantities. Currently, ZYNs do not pose a major risk of cancer.
Despite this, ZYNs are not entirely risk-free. These nicotine pouches can cause various cardiovascular, dental, and digestive issues. Only use ZYNs as an alternative to cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products, and vapes.
Please learn how to use nicotine pouches and follow safe consumption guidelines. ZYN pouches are safer when you use them as intended.
