Snus: a bag of tobacco that you put between your palate and lip to get that coveted nicotine kick. Only without smoking a harmful cigarette. It seems ideal, and perhaps that is why it is becoming increasingly popular among young people. But this seemingly innocent pouch hides some dark secrets. The bag contains several harmful substances. But nicotine, the substance it's all about, is still the most dangerous.

In this episode, Danielle Cohen, lung pathologist at the LUMC, explains why nicotine is so dangerous for your brain. And how the tobacco industry secretly uses these bags for its own agenda...

0:00 What is snus? How does snus work?
0:44 What happens if I use a nicotine pouch?
1:11 How dangerous is snus?
2:13 What happens if I ingest nicotine?
2:50 What is dopamine?
3:17 What does nicotine do to the dopamine system?
3:37 What happens when you become addicted to nicotine?
4:10 What is the risk of nicotine for young people?
4:49 Why is snus a gateway drug to cigarettes?

Do you want to let us know something or ask us something? That can be done through this form: https://forms.gle/5YTUR72pTwzXRAFk6

More science? Check:

Podcast on Spotify ► https://open.spotify.com/show/0z2ydI7...
Podcast on iTunes ► https://itunes.apple.com/nl/podcast/d...
Our website ► http://www.universiteitvannederland.nl/
Instagram ►  / universiteitnl  
Twitter ►   / universiteitnl  
Facebook ►   / universiteitvannederland  

For non-commercial use, you are allowed to use fragments (provided the context is preserved). Always mention the source: University of the Netherlands. If in doubt, email us at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])

About the University of the Netherlands:
The University of the Netherlands has an independent editorial team that produces podcasts, videos, and social posts on scientific topics weekly. We believe that everyone should be able to learn from the top scientists we have in the Netherlands. Without tuition fees or exams. We are the university for everyone.