Pediatric Exposure to E-Cigarettes, Nicotine, and Tobacco Products in the United States

Introduction:
This article discusses a study on pediatric exposure to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), nicotine, and tobacco products in the United States. The study uses data from the National Poison Data System to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and outcomes of exposures to these products among young children.

Key Points:

* The study found that the number of exposures to e-cigarettes and nicotine liquid among young children is increasing rapidly.
* Children exposed to e-cigarette devices and nicotine liquid are more likely to have a severe outcome than children exposed to cigarettes, and lethal exposure has occurred.
* The majority of exposures were due to ingestion, with most occurring in the home and involving products stored within sight of the child.
* Children under 2 years old accounted for a large portion of exposures to all types of tobacco and nicotine products.
* There were no significant differences in the odds of severe outcomes between children exposed to e-cigarettes and those exposed to other tobacco products.
* The study highlights the need for swift government action to regulate e-cigarettes and nicotine liquid products to prevent child poisoning.
* Prevention strategies include public education, appropriate product storage and use away from children, warning labels, and modifications of e-cigarette devices, e-liquid, and e-liquid containers and packaging to make them less appealing and accessible to children.

Main Message:
The study highlights the urgent need for regulation of e-cigarettes and nicotine liquid products to prevent child poisoning. The rapid increase in exposures and severe outcomes among young children underscores the importance of taking action to protect this vulnerable population. Prevention strategies such as public education, appropriate product storage and use away from children, warning labels, and modifications of e-cigarette devices, e-liquid, and e-liquid containers and packaging can help reduce the risk of pediatric exposure and poisoning.

Kamboj, Alisha, Henry A. Spiller, Marcel J. Casavant, Thiphalak Chounthirath, and Gary A. Smith. “Pediatric Exposure to E-Cigarettes, Nicotine, and Tobacco Products in the United States.” Pediatrics 137, no. 6 (June 1, 2016): e20160041. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-0041.