Nicotine ingestions among young children declined from 2015 to 2023. However, a study in published in Pediatrics journal reported a dramatic increase (over 700%) in nicotine pouch ingestions from 2020 to 2023. In light of this, experts urge parents to store nicotine products in locked, child-proof containers to prevent access.
Numerous items that contain nicotine, such as gum, e-liquids, lozenges, pouches, powder or granules, pills, capsules, or caplets, as well as regular cigarettes, are linked to the frequent exposure of children to nicotine. Investigating the features and patterns of nicotine ingestions among young children submitted to US poison centres is the aim of this study.
From 2010 to 2023, researchers examined accidental, single-substance nicotine intakes in children under the age of six that were reported to the National Poison Data System, as a part of the primary investigative method of this study.
Of the 134,663 cases of nicotine intake in children under the age of six that were reported to US poison centers, the majority occurred in children under the age of two (76.2%), in boys (55.5%), or at home (98.5%). from 2010 and 2015, the rate of nicotine ingestions rose by 59.4% (P <.001), and from 2015 and 2023, it decreased by 34.1% (P <.001).
The main factor influencing this rate pattern was the rate of consumption of liquid nicotine, which rose by 450.0% between 2010 and 2015 (P <.001) and subsequently fell by 45.2% between 2015 and 2023 (P <.05). Nearly, 81.3% did not obtain treatment at a medical facility, and the majority of nicotine ingestions were linked to either no impact (36.7%) or a slight effect (19.6%). There were 39 ingestions with serious consequences and two fatalities, whereas 1.2% of ingestions had moderate effects.
Almost, 0.5% of ingestions required medical admission, whereas 15.9% of ingestions were treated, assessed, and released. Between 2020 and 2023, the rate of nicotine pouch ingestions rose by 763.1%. When compared to all product formulations combined, nicotine pouches had a higher likelihood of being linked to a significant medical result (odds ratio [OR]: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.10–2.13) or a hospital admission (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.31–3.15).
Overall, serious consequences, including 2 fatalities, did occur even though the majority of nicotine ingestions in children under the age of 6 were linked to minimal or clinically minor effects. The rise and relative seriousness of nicotine pouch ingestions serve as a reminder of the public health issues associated with the changing market for oral nicotine products.
Source:
Olivas, M., Hays, H. L., Kistamgari, S., Rine, N. I., Zhu, M., Yang, J., & Smith, G. A. (2025). Nicotine ingestions among young children: 2010-2023. Pediatrics, e2024070522. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2024-070522
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