Steady Rise In Vape Product Poisonings Among Kids Under 5

The number of cases of vape product-related poisonings reported to America’s poison control centers doubled
between 2018 and early 2023, according to a new report. This concerning trend is particularly worrisome as the
majority of cases involve children under the age of 5.

It is crucial to raise awareness about the potential dangers of e-cigarettes and the need for stronger public health measures. Nicole
Tashakkori and a team of researchers from the Center for Tobacco Products at the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration issued a warning about the continuous public health concern associated with e-cigarettes and
their potential to cause poisoning.

Take proactive steps to prevent these tragedies by ensuring adult e-cigarette users safely store their devices
and e-liquids to make them inaccessible to young children.

The nicotine found in e-cigarettes can be extremely harmful if inhaled or ingested by small children. Symptoms
of nicotine poisoning include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, sweating, and an accelerated heart rate.
Severe poisoning can even lead to seizures and death. It is vital to prioritize child safety and take
precautions to avoid unnecessary exposures.

A recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed a significant increase in
e-cigarette sales from 15.5 million units per month in 2020 to nearly 23 million units in 2022. As the
popularity of vaping continues to rise, it’s important to address the associated risks and ensure the safety
of children.

This report analyzed the National Poison Data System (NPDS) data from April 2022 to March 2023. Within this
12-month period, over 7,000 cases of poisoning exposures from vaping products were reported. The number of
monthly exposures increased by 32% over the course of the year.

Please note that due to voluntary reporting, the actual number of cases is likely to be higher than reported.

The majority of vaping-related poisonings occurred in children under the age of 5, accounting for 87.8% of all
exposures. While hospitalization was rare, with less than 1% of cases requiring it, over 8% of cases still
called for some form of treatment at a healthcare facility.

Tragically, there was one reported case of a fatal poisoning resulting from intentional overdose by a
pediatric patient. This incident serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant and ensure the safety of
our children.

In 61% of vape-linked poisoning cases, inhalation or nasal ingestion of the product was involved, while
tasting or eating accounted for approximately 40% of cases.

Among the reported brands, Elf Bar was found to be the most commonly associated with poisonings, making up
60.8% of cases. Elf Bar is a disposable e-cigarette available in various flavors, and the number of monthly
cases involving this brand increased from two in April 2022 to 36 in March 2023. The overwhelming majority
(over 90%) of Elf Bar exposures were among children under the age of 5.

It is crucial for adults to ensure that all vaping and smoking products are safely stored away from the reach
of children. This includes properly securing e-liquids, cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco,
and even dirty ashtrays. Used “smoke juice” containers may still contain nicotine, so it’s important to wrap
them up to prevent kids and pets from accessing them.

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