Nicotine pouches pose poisoning danger for young kids
Nicotine pouches can be used for smokers and other nicotine users to feed their addiction in a more subtle way, while others use them to try to quit smoking. But those pouches are proving to be dangerous and even poisonous when they end up in the hands of children.
The Virginia Poison Center reports that the number of calls they’ve received has gone up exponentially over the past few years. Here’s a look at latest numbers from our region, which covers a large portion of the central and eastern part of the state:
2023 – 8 exposure calls
2024 – 29 exposure calls
2025 – 25 exposure calls as of 7/15
So, what is the appeal of nicotine pouches to young kids and how are so many able to get their hands on them? Dr. Catherine Dong, medical director for the Virginia Poison Center, along with the center’s education specialist, Shelly Clary, answer our questions about nicotine pouches and what parents and caregivers need to know.
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Why are nicotine pouches so appealing to kids?
They are small in size and easy to grab, they smell sweet, they come in flavors like cherry, mint or peach, and the packaging can be bright and colorful and resemble some brands of candy or mints.
How can the pouches make kids sick?
Nicotine toxicity can initially cause a fast heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, muscular twitching, agitation, tremors and even seizures. With high doses, they can reduce heart rates, decrease blood pressure, lead to muscular paralysis, cause a child to stop breathing and even lead to cardiac arrest.
How do the effects of ingesting nicotine pouches differ from smoking a cigarette?
Ingested drugs are typically absorbed at a slower rate than when smoked, so you can expect a more delayed onset and more prolonged symptoms. Additionally, you typically absorb a much smaller amount from smoking than ingesting. A smoker may inhale 1-2 mg of nicotine from smoking a cigarette, when there is actually 6 to potentially 28 mg of nicotine in that cigarette that can be absorbed if ingested, so it is also important to keep children from eating cigarettes or cigarette butts.
Are pouches more dangerous than other nicotine products like gum, lozenges, etc.?
It’s the dose that matters! Nicotine concentration in pouches can be higher than the nicotine replacement therapy in gum, lozenges and patches. Nicotine gum and lozenges can come in 2 and 4 mg doses whereas the pouches can range from 2 mg per pouch all the way to 130 mg. The patches can come in 7, 14 and 21 mg doses, so any ingestion of a patch should be reported.
What should parents/caregivers do to protect their kids?
- Store nicotine products out of sight and reach from children and don’t leave products laying around with the mindset that children know better.
- Save the poison help line (1-800-222-1222) in your phone and don’t hesitate to call if you have questions or suspect a poisoning.
- Don’t use nicotine products in front of children. They like to mimic behaviors and are more likely to copy what an adult is doing.
What should parents/caregivers do if they discover their child has ingested a nicotine pouch?
- Attempt to remove the product from their mouth and have them wash out their mouth with water and spit it out.
- Do not try to induce vomiting as it can cause more harm than good.
- Try to find the dose or product information on the packaging and call the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
- If they develop difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures or other concerning symptoms, call 911 immediately.
What other important reminders do you have for parents?
With the use of nicotine pouches growing in popularity, it’s a good idea to remind family members and others visiting your home about safe storage and usage so kids don’t inadvertently get their hands on them.