Baby and toddler poisonings from nicotine are on the rise

Rising numbers of young children in the United States are becoming sick after accidentally exposure to nicotine products, according to a new study in *Pediatrics*, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

From 2010 to 2023, U.S. poison control centers reported nearly 135,000 cases of nicotine poisoning among children under 6 years old. Most were at home and involved products like nicotine pouches, chewing tobacco, cigarettes, vapes, and nicotine gums or lozenges.

Among them, nicotine pouches—such as the popular brand Zyn—have accounted for the most significant increase in poisoning cases. According to the report, the number of nicotine pouch instances rose by 763% between 2020 and 2023.Sales of pouches also increased significantly, from slightly more than $700,000 in 2016 to $216 million in 2020.

Tiny nicotine pouches that do not contain tobacco are inserted between the gums and the lip.  They contain up to 6 milligrams of nicotine and are touted as spit-free, clean alternatives to cigarettes.  The Food and Drug Administration has approved it as a safe method of quitting smoking.

Nicotine is extremely hazardous for young children, according to experts. Even a small amount of it can cause serious health problems such as a rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even coma. The majority of the affected children were under 2 years old.

While most of the cases were not critical, 39 children had serious health impacts, and two toddlers died after they had ingested vape liquid.

Michigan pediatrician Dr. Molly O'Shea said it's not a surprise the products are ending up in the hands of children, especially since many of the containers are not child-proof and the products with fruit or mint flavors are appealing to kids.

To reduce these risks, parents and caregivers are told by experts to keep all nicotine products—well out of children's reach. Putting them in a purse, pocket, or on a counter is not safe enough.

Teens who use nicotine pouches also increase the risk for younger siblings. A new study discovered teen use of the products nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024.