Recent data indicates a sharp increase in the number of cases where young children have ingested nicotine pouches, prompting experts to issue warnings about the dangers these products pose. According to a study conducted by the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH), nicotine pouches, which are small, dissolving powder packets containing nicotine and flavorings, are being ingested by toddlers at an alarming rate.
The study, published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, found that there were 134,663 reported cases of ingestion of nicotine pouches, vapes, and other nicotine products among children between 2010 and 2023. Researchers analyzed calls to the National Poison Data System related to accidental ingestions among children younger than 6 years old. Between 2020 and 2023, the rate of unintentional ingestion of nicotine pouches by young children increased sharply, despite a decline in ingestions of other nicotine products like liquid nicotine.
Gary Smith, M.D., director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at NCH, noted that nicotine pouches were not tracked in national poison center data until 2020. ‘The ingestion of nicotine pouches was a recent public health problem,’ he said, emphasizing that the rapid increase in cases highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance and prevention efforts.
Safety experts have pointed out that many nicotine products, especially pouches, are often flavored and sold in colorful packaging, which may be attractive to young children. Banning all flavored nicotine products, as well as making sure that all such products are kept out of reach, is one of the recommended precautions to prevent accidental ingestion. In addition, experts have emphasized the importance of keeping all nicotine products stored safely and out of the home to minimize the risk to young children and teenagers.
The study also pointed out some limitations, such as the fact that the National Poison Data System is a passive surveillance system, which means it may not capture the full extent of cases where children have ingested nicotine products. Smith also mentioned that the study did not analyze nicotine dosage, and there is a possibility of data misclassification and missing information.
Douglas B. Nelson, director of pediatric toxicology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, added that parents should take every possible precaution to keep nicotine products away from young children. ‘The safest choice is to keep all nicotine products out of the home,’ he said, adding that if a child is suspected of ingesting a nicotine pouch, parents should call the national Poison Help number at 1-800-222-1222.
The effects of nicotine toxicity can range from mild symptoms like nausea and vomiting to severe complications such as high blood pressure, fast heart rate, seizures, breathing difficulties, coma, and even death. Given the potential for serious health consequences, public health officials and researchers are calling for continued monitoring and the implementation of preventive measures to address this growing public health concern.
Additionally, the study noted that the overall decline in nicotine ingestions among young children could be connected to the passage of federal and state legislation, such as the Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act, which requires liquid nicotine to be packaged in child-resistant containers. While these measures have shown some effectiveness, there is still a call to enact further preventative laws, especially regarding the flavoring of nicotine products, which may be a significant factor in attracting children to these potentially hazardous substances.
As the researchers continue to emphasize, the issue of nicotine pouch ingestion among young children is a serious public health concern that requires a multifaceted approach, including education, legislation, and ongoing research to develop more effective prevention strategies. Until then, it is crucial for parents and caregivers to remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to protect children from potential exposure to these products.