Nicotine ingestions are on the rise in children

Nicotine pouch ingestion among children increased by more than 760% between 2020 and 2023, according to a recent report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Between that same time frame, there were nearly 135,000 nicotine ingestions in children under 6 years old reported to U.S. poison control centers. Most of those cases were among children less than 2 years old, and nearly all of them occurred at home.

These findings are alarming because the chemical is extremely toxic to children, with the potential to cause hypertension, tachycardia, seizures, respiratory failure and death. During the study period, two children under the age of 2 years old died as a result of nicotine ingestion.

“Nicotine products, such as pouches, e-cigarettes and vape pens, have colorful packaging and flavors that are attractive to both young children as well as older adults,” says Dr. Emma Olivera, a pediatrician at Advocate Children’s Hospital. “The packaging is often not child proofed, allowing for unintentional ingestions by young children. Banning flavors in these products may help reduce this increase in ingestions.”

Dr. Olivera says you should keep nicotine products far out of reach of children and stored securely.

“Many people who use nicotine products keep them easily accessible for themselves, like in their purse, pocket or even on the kitchen counter,” she says. “But these items should be locked up somewhere that is fully inaccessible to a child or adolescent.”

She also urges adults to refrain from nicotine usage around children, as kids learn from observing and often attempt to imitate behaviors. Plus, it’s best to refrain from nicotine use in general for the sake of your own health.

“If your child is under the care of a family member or other babysitter, talk with them about keeping all nicotine products locked away,” she advises. “Everyone needs to understand the dangers of nicotine ingestion in children. Finally, save the number for Poison Control, 1-800-222-1222, in your phone and post it in a visible place in your home should an accidental ingestion occur. The help line offers confidential, free advice from health experts 24 hours a day.”

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