A nationwide surge in the use of oral nicotine pouches has hit Vermont, worrying public health officials who fear the products could become a pathway to addiction, especially for young adults. The Vermont Department of Health’s recently-published biannual survey of adults ages 18 to 25 found that 9 percent of respondents reported using non-smoking tobacco products within the last 30 days, up from 5 percent in 2022. That category includes products such as chewing tobacco. But state officials say the notable increase is likely related to the newly popular nicotine pouches, which can contain high amounts of the addictive chemical and are often sold in flavors such as mint and fruit. The pouches, which are sold at gas stations and convenience stores, don't actually contain tobacco. Sales of the pouches — small, pillow-like containers that users tuck between their gums and lips — have tripled in Vermont over the last several years, according to the health department, which cited Zyn as the most popular brand. A user must be 21 or older to buy the pouches, which are marketed as a tobacco substitute. The long-term health effects of using the pouches aren’t entirely clear, but experts say nicotine consumption can prove particularly damaging to younger people with still-developing brains. And while the pouches may provide a safer alternative for current cigarette smokers, they also run the risk of sweeping up a new wave of youth who might not have otherwise indulged in nicotine. Young people often underestimate the addictiveness of nicotine and believe they will be able to easily quit at any time. “The tobacco industry targets teens and young adults,” said Rhonda Williams,  chronic disease prevention chief at the Vermont Department of Health. “And what we see in the data is that ‘curiosity’ is one of the main reasons expressed for trying a product.” The health department has responded to the growing popularity of vape products in recent years by developing a broad public outreach campaign to better educate parents and teens about the ramifications. The state is currently conducting a study of vapes collected from Vermont schools over the last year to learn more about the chemicals found in the often-flavored products. Similar counter-marketing strategies may be needed soon to respond to the growth of nicotine pouch usage, Williams said. "We are actively working on our communications and looking for opportunities to increase the awareness." Last year, Gov. Phil Scott vetoed a…