Nicotine pouches like Zyn have seen a significant surge in popularity in the United States, but along with this growth comes a concerning increase in the risk of young children inadvertently consuming these products. A recent study highlighted the dangers associated with children accidentally ingesting nicotine, whether from pouches, gum, tablets, or e-cigarette liquid. The study, which analyzed data from calls to America’s Poison Centers regarding children under the age of 6, identified a total of 134,663 cases of unintentional nicotine ingestion between 2010 and 2023.
While the majority of children who ingested nicotine experienced mild symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, there were cases where serious medical outcomes occurred. Approximately 1.2% of cases resulted in severe consequences such as seizures or respiratory failure, and tragically, two children under the age of 2 lost their lives after consuming liquid nicotine.
According to Natalie Rine, the managing director of Central Ohio Poison Center and one of the study’s authors, it is crucial not to underestimate the harmful effects of nicotine ingestion based on the outcome of most cases. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, highlighted nicotine pouches as a particularly risky product, with a 1.5 times higher likelihood of causing serious health issues and a double chance of requiring hospitalization compared to other forms of nicotine products.
Nicotine pouches, like Philip Morris International’s Zyn, contain high concentrations of nicotine, with some variants offering up to 15 milligrams per pouch. The appeal of these products to children is further exacerbated by the attractive flavors they come in. The study emphasized that the rapid and substantial dose of nicotine children can receive from consuming these pouches poses a significant risk.
While nicotine tablets and liquid cartridges from e-cigarettes accounted for the most common sources of accidental nicotine ingestion, the implementation of childproof packaging laws in 2015 helped reduce incidents involving liquid nicotine. The study suggested that enforcing a federal ban on flavored nicotine products could further mitigate accidental poisonings. Currently, popular nicotine pouch brands offer a variety of flavors, making them appealing to children.
In light of these findings, the study recommended additional measures to prevent accidental nicotine ingestion among children. These include design modifications to restrict the flow of liquid from e-cigarette cartridges and advocating for secure storage of nicotine products in locked cabinets rather than easily accessible areas like backpacks or purses. By raising awareness of the risks associated with nicotine ingestion and implementing stricter regulations, we can work towards safeguarding children from the potentially harmful effects of nicotine exposure.
