Cases of young kids ingesting nicotine from pouches have surged in recent years, researchers are warning.
A team from Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Central Ohio Poison Control looked at nearly 135,000 cases of nicotine ingestions – all involving kids younger than 6 – that were reported to U.S. poison centers from 2010 through 2023.
They found that ingestion rates for nicotine pouches, which contain nicotine powder and are placed in the mouth, have soared 763% since 2020 (when data on the pouches first became available) – to around 4 per 100,000 cases from 1 per 100,000.
The pouches were also more likely to be associated with serious medical outcomes or hospital admissions than other nicotine products such as gum/lozenges, e-liquids, powder/granules, and tablets/capsules/caplets.
“The nicotine level in pouches can pose a serious risk of nicotine exposure, especially for younger children,” the Food and Drug Administration says. “The harmful effects of nicotine poisoning vary depending on the situation. The effects may include confusion, vomiting and loss of consciousness.
“Containers for nicotine pouches – with bright, colorful designs – may seem tempting to children. They can even resemble candy containers.”
The researchers and the FDA offer the following tips:
- Store nicotine products up and out of sight and away from food — preferably in a locked cabinet, drawer or box.
- Buy only FDA-authorized nicotine pouches with child-resistant packaging and ensure those child-resistant features are engaged when not using the product.
- Keep nicotine products in their original containers, which likely have child-resistant features.
- Avoid using nicotine pouches or other nicotine products around kids. Tell your children that products should only be handled by adults.
- Save the national Poison Help Line – (800) 222-1222 – in your phone and post it on paper in a visible place in your home.
The study was published in the journal Pediatrics.
