Child Poisonings Rise Due to Pouches, Vapes

(MENAFN) A recent investigation released in the journal Pediatrics has uncovered a notable spike in unintentional poisonings among young children in the United States, linked to the increasing prevalence of vaping devices and nicotine pouches.

The study, published on Monday, attributes this worrying trend to the rising use of these nicotine-based products by adults, inadvertently putting children at risk.

From 2010 to 2023, poison control centers across the U.S. received 134,663 reports involving young children under the age of six who accidentally consumed nicotine.

These incidents included a range of products such as nicotine pouches, e-cigarette liquids, vapes, traditional cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.

The research found that while poisonings related to most nicotine products have generally decreased since 2016, incidents involving nicotine pouches have sharply increased.

Between 2020 and 2023 alone, cases connected to these pouches rose by more than 760%.

Researchers emphasized that these products present a heightened danger due to their concentrated nicotine content, which is absorbed quickly by the body.

Although the majority of affected children only experienced minor symptoms—like vomiting or nausea—the study highlighted that 1.2% endured severe health effects, including respiratory failure or seizures.

Tragically, two toddlers under the age of two lost their lives after consuming liquid nicotine.

Nicotine pouches are small, smokeless, tobacco-free products that typically include nicotine, flavoring agents, and sweeteners.

Their discreet appearance and increasing appeal to adolescents have raised alarms among public health officials.

Despite their popularity, these products are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a cessation aid for smoking.

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