Study Warns Child Nicotine Poisonings See Sharp Increase
(MENAFN) Accidental nicotine poisonings among U.S. children under six have sharply increased, largely driven by the rising popularity of nicotine pouches and vaping devices, according to a study published Monday in the journal Pediatrics.
From 2010 to 2023, poison control centers across the United States logged 134,663 incidents of young children ingesting nicotine-containing products—including e-cigarette liquids, vapes, cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and nicotine pouches.
While overall nicotine-related poisoning cases began to decline after 2016, the study revealed a dramatic surge in incidents linked to nicotine pouches, which spiked by over 760% between 2020 and 2023. Researchers highlighted that these pouches pose a particularly high risk due to their potent and fast-releasing nicotine content.
Most affected children exhibited only mild symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. However, 1.2% of cases resulted in serious health outcomes, including seizures and respiratory failure. Tragically, two children under the age of two died after ingesting liquid nicotine.
Nicotine pouches—small, tobacco-free sachets containing nicotine, sweeteners, and flavorings—have drawn increasing scrutiny from public health officials. Their discreet design and appeal among adolescents are particularly troubling, especially given that they have not been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as approved smoking cessation aids.
The study’s authors are urging federal authorities to impose tighter regulations on the marketing and flavor options of nicotine pouches. They suggest building on existing laws such as the 2015 Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act and emphasize the need for medical professionals to remain alert and advocate for stronger safeguards to protect children.
The researchers concluded that it is essential for clinicians to recognize the growing dangers and actively work to inform caregivers.
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