Tiny Hands, Big Risk: What Parents Need to Know About Nicotine Pouches

Poison control centers are raising the warning bell are signaling the alert are expressing concern are issuing a call for attention are highlighting the urgency are indicating an emergency situation are making their voices heard regarding a critical issue are emphasizing the importance of immediate action nicotine pouches as reports of young children unintentionally consuming them increase across the nation.

The alert follows recent findings indicating that calls involving children younger than six rose by 763% between 2020 and 2023, as reported by the study released on July 14 in the journal Pediatrics.

The sharp rise in calls to poison control centers can be partially attributed to the growing trend of using nicotine pouches, according to Natalie Rine, a co-author of the study and head of the Central Ohio Poison Center. Additionally, children spent more time at home during this time because of pandemic-related lockdowns, increasing their exposure to nicotine products kept within the household.

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These products became popular starting in 2019," she mentioned. "Sales saw a significant rise from 2019 to 2022... and we began receiving more phone calls regularly.

Nicotine products, occasionally called "lip pillow" or "upper decker," contain nicotine powder in tiny microfiber bags. Here's what parents need to be aware of when ensuring their children stay protected from nicotine pouches.

Why is nicotine harmful for children?

Nicotine pouches had a 1.5-fold higher chance of being linked to a severe health issue and double the likelihood of resulting in hospitalization when contrasted with other nicotine products studied, including cigars or e-liquids.

Nicotine poses significant danger to young children, particularly when present in a potent format such as a nicotine pouch, as stated by Nationwide Children’s Hospital located in Columbus, Ohio.

Following consumption, some mild effects may involve feelings of sickness and throwing up, according to Rine. However, as the amount consumed rises, kids might develop elevated blood pressure and an accelerated heartbeat, which could progress to convulsions and breathing difficulties.

Of the 135,000 calls received by poison control centers from 2010 to 2023, researchers discovered that nicotine was associated with two fatalities among children younger than six years old.

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The most effective method to stop a child from consuming a nicotine pouch, according to Rine, is to ensure the products are not present in the home.

If caregivers decide to have nicotine-containing items in their residence, she suggests implementing these safety measures:

Select items that come in safety-sealed containers.
Keep them in elevated, unseen locations that have a locking mechanism.
Avoid using nicotine products around kids: "Kids tend to imitate what they see," Rine explained, and are more inclined to place nicotine packets in their mouths if they observe their parents doing so.
If you store nicotine pouches in bags or handbags, ensure they aren’t left scattered throughout the home: "Children tend to look through them," Rine mentioned.
Keep the National Poison Help Line number (1-800-222-1222) saved in your phone and place it where it can be easily seen at home.

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In case a child faces a medical emergency, Rine advises parents to dial 911.

In case of minor symptoms, she suggests contacting the National Poison Help Line for complimentary, private guidance provided by experienced nurses and pharmacists.

"We're here whenever you need assistance discussing the symptoms your child is experiencing, depending on the information provided," Rine stated.

She cautions against attempting to provoke vomiting, as this may result in an additional issue if liquid gets into the lungs.

Causing oneself to vomit is one of the larger misunderstandings around," Rine stated. "More frequently than not, this action can lead to greater issues than the original condition.

Adrianna Rodriguez is available via email at adrodriguez@.

This piece was first published on USA TODAY: Little children and infants are coming into contact with nicotine pouches. Here's what caregivers need to be aware of.