A new report “raises another red flag about e-cigarettes–the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes can be hazardous,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. Poisonings in children are on the rise from drinking e-cigarette liquids that come with vaping products. The liquid packaging is brightly colored; the candy-flavored taste inviting; the lack of child-proof packaging? Extremely dangerous.
The liquids in e-cigarettes contain a concentrated dose of nicotine, which is a poison. In liquid form, nicotine can be ingested or absorbed through the skin causing severe poisoning or even death. Poison center stats show that more than fifty percent (50%) of the victims are children under 6 years old. Just as startling is that forty percent (40%) are over twenty (20) years old. Adults are being poisoned at nearly the same rate as children. Many of these adult poison events are from inhaling and/or exposure to the skin and eyes.
Just recently the FDA took control of e-cig safety. Safety levels will now be regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the FD&C Act) and sales to children will be banned (age purchase restrictions already exist in some states). The new law is likely to deliver packaging requirements to protect children from ingesting the poison. In the meantime, they are still at risk—as are adults. Anyone using the highly toxic e-cigarette liquids needs to keep them locked away from children. In addition, if you are using these products, be mindful of the poisoning effect of nicotine on the skin or from eye contact.
The level of injuries, including poisoning, from e-cigarettes are on the rise. If you or someone you know has been injured from vaping, immediately seek medical attention and consult an experienced attorney for advice.