Liquid Nicotine in E-cigarettes is Lethal and Causes Health Problems in Children

Exposure to liquid nicotine in E-cigarettes can result in death and serious health problems in children, according to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

Toxicologists warn these cigarette-substitute devices have high concentrations of neurotoxin- nicotine that are extracted from tobacco and can cause vomiting and seizures in children who take in the liquid residue.  A tiny quantity or a teaspoon of these deadly chemicals can kill a child if ingested or absorbed by the skin.  

Ashley Webb, director of the Kentucky Regional Poison Center said in the news release, "These concentrated products are significantly toxic in very small doses. When it comes to concentrated liquid nicotine, the danger is not just ingestion but with simple contact with the skin."

Children and young adults have access to E-cigarettes which are openly sold in the markets. They are often tempted to test the device, which is brightly colored and contains attractive flavorings and fragrances like chocolate, bubblegum and cherry.

Lee Cantrell, director of the San Diego division of the California Poison Control System and a professor of pharmacy at the University of California, San Francisco, said, "This is one of the most potent naturally occurring toxins we have. But e-liquids are available almost everywhere. It is sold all over the place. It is ubiquitous in society," reports the Boston Globe.

Experts noted an increase in number of hospitalization and emergency room visits due to exposure to the harmful ingredient and strictly advised parents to keep them away from children and toddlers. According to AAPCC reports, nearly 1,414 cases of liquid nicotine exposure were reported in 2013, which is a 300 percent increase from 2012.  This year, a total of 651 cases have been recorded so far. Children aged below six represent more than half of the reported cases of nicotine exposure.

The report guidelines recommend disposal of these products after use to prevent poisoning in pet and children. Users of E-cigarettes are advised to follow safety measures to protect their skin from nicotine exposure and immediately seek attention from local poison and healthcare centers in case of accidental ingestion.

Ashley Webb adds, "We want to increase awareness about the potential toxicity of these products and emphasize that these concentrated products are significantly toxic in very small doses. With any new product, we expect to see an increase in the number of calls to poison centers. However, we are more concerned when the product involved has such a high potential for causing injury."