Beware of E-cigarettes: Poisonings in Children Sky-Rocketing

Parents need to be aware of the risks of e-cigarettes around children. Recently, poison control centers have seen a spike in the number of calls involving children getting into the liquid of electronic cigarettes which put children at risk of becoming very ill.



Samples of E-Cigarettes

Here in Texas, the poison control centers have had several calls of nicotine exposure due to e-cigarettes. The number of calls has doubled since 2011, which has many poison centers across the country concerned about exposure to children. Common accidents from e-cigarettes include liquid splashing or leaking while using the e-cigarettes and accidental ingestions by children.

Common side effects from potential over-usage or poisonings include nausea, vomiting, sweating and even seizures, which could lead to death. Using too much nicotine is known to be toxic to people which is why the e-cigarettes can be dangerous. The liquid contains a high concentration of nicotine, which is different than regular cigarettes. Poison Control experts state that it only takes about 30 to 60 milligrams of nicotine to send a child to the emergency room.

Due to the colorful liquid in these e-cigarettes, children are especially drawn to them, which is why it is so important that these are kept out of sight and out of reach of children. What makes these even more dangerous is that the child does not even have to swallow the e-cigarette liquid refills to have a reaction since it is quickly absorbed through the skin.

Please remember to keep e-cigarettes and their refills away from children. And if you have a child or an adult who has ingested the liquid from these, please do not hesitate to call a poison control center at any time day or night at 1-800-222-1222.