Rise in Cases of Young Kids Accidentally Exposed to Vape Liquid

Liquid nicotine used in vape and e-cigarette devices (also called e-liquids, e-juice, vape juice) are especially dangerous to children if they accidentally drink the liquid. Because the concentration of nicotine is higher in e-liquids than in other tobacco products, a child only needs to be exposed to a small amount of liquid to cause potentially life-threatening health effects. Some devices/cartridges can contain the amount of nicotine in more than one pack of cigarettes. Symptoms of nicotine exposure may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, and high blood pressure. Severe poisoning can cause seizures and death.

“Young children are drawn to the bright colors and sweet smells of liquid nicotine products making them a danger that hides in plain sight,” says Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. “Since these devices are common everyday products, it’s easy to forget that they contain a potentially toxic substance. The best way to prevent an accidental exposure to nicotine is to make sure your kids can’t get access to vaping devices or refill cartridges/bottles.”

Calls to the New Jersey Poison Control Center for vape-related nicotine exposures have increased since 2021 with the majority of cases involving children 5 years old and younger. As of August 2023, the center’s specialists have assisted in the medical treatment of 86 children total (up to age 19) — 79 of the cases involved children 5 years old and younger. Total cases doubled from 42 children in 2021 to 84 children in 2022.

Parents of young children, even if they do not vape, need to be aware that these products may be brought into their homes without them knowing by older siblings, relatives, babysitters, house guests, and other visitors. These devices are commonly designed to look like everyday items including school supplies — drinks, pens, highlighters, USB drives, smart watches, toys, phone cases, hoodies, backpacks, and more.

“We want to remind anyone who vapes to be aware of where they keep their liquid nicotine products. If these products are left out and easy to reach, chances are children and pets will find them,” says Calello. Like children, pets are at high risk of accidental exposure to vape products and can suffer life-threatening health effects in a short amount of time.

Safe storage is key. Liquid nicotine devices are often carried around and can be found in places in and out of the home. Don’t underestimate a child or pet’s ability to get into things that are dangerous. You can’t rely on child-resistant packaging to prevent exposures. Child resistant packaging is only meant to slow a child down from opening a product — it does not mean the product is child-proof.

Do not leave liquid nicotine products out in plain sight — counter, nightstand, drawer, jacket/sweatshirts, purse/bags, and car. The safest option is to keep devices and their refill cartridges/bottles in a secured location (locked up) when you’re done using them. If that’s not possible, store them up high and out of sight and reach of children and pets. Be mindful not to vape in front of children or mention that the flavored liquids taste good because children are likely to imitate what they see.

If you think a child consumed any amount of liquid nicotine, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center immediately for medical treatment advice. Poison control centers are a medical resource for both the public and healthcare professionals. Get help 24/7. Call 1-800-222-1222 or Chat Here. If someone is not breathing, hard to wake up, or having a seizure, call 9-1-1.

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Media contacts only: Alicia Gambino ([email protected]), New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School