If you or someone you know has tried to quit smoking, you have likely heard about Nicotine Pouches. Now, a new study published in Pediatrics, a journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows nicotine pouches are becoming a growing source of nicotine poisoning among young children in cases reported to U.S. poison control centers - mostly since 2016.
From 2010 to 2023, U.S. Poison Control Centers reported 134,663 cases of nicotine poisonings among children under the age of 6 who accidently ingested nicotine. Cases included exposures to nicotine in various ways including pouches, chewing tobacco, regular cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine replacement products like gum and lozenges. Researchers found that nicotine pouches, like the popular brand Zyn, are behind the most significant rise in accidental nicotine poisonings among young children.
New research showed a rise from 0.48 per 100,000 children in 2020 to 4.14 per 100,000 in 2023 - an increase of 763% in just 3 years. Findings correlate with a surge in the sales of nicotine pouches that are appealing to youth because they typically contain mint and fruit flavorings that taste good.
Nicotine is a chemical that is highly toxic - it increases heart rate and blood pressure and could lead to nausea, vomiting, or even coma. Researchers also reported other side effects, such as trouble breathing and seizures.
It is critical that we continue to educate parents, childcare workers, and healthcare providers about the health risks associated with use of these products among children. Babies and toddlers are most vulnerable since they tend to explore their world by putting things in their mouth and canisters containing nicotine pouches are not child-resistant.
Teens are also drawn to this product because use is relatively easy to hide from parents. Parents should talk to their kids about products like this and continue open dialogue in a nonjudgmental way in order to ascertain any risk. It's also a good idea to keep the national, toll-free Poison Help Line phone number handy at home and on your cellphone - 1-800-222-1222.
Read about Nicotine Ingestions Among Young Children
View an NBC News health report on the Study
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