E-Cigarettes and Liquid Nicotine

The experts at America's poison centers continue to be concerned about exposures to e-cigarette devices and liquid nicotine, especially children's exposures.

In 2014 more than half of reported exposures to e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine occurred in young children under the age of 6. However, his is consistent with National Poison Data System exposures to all substances combined.  Some children and toddlers who come in contact with e-cigarette devices or liquid nicotine have become very ill; some even requiring ER visits with nausea and vomiting being the most significant symptoms. Adults should use care to protect their skin when handling the products, and they should be out of sight and out of the reach of children. Additionally, those using these products should dispose of them properly to prevent exposure to pets and children from the residue or liquid left in the container.  

The American Association of Poison Control Centers recommends the following steps:

• Protect your skin when handling the products.
• Always keep e-cigarettes and liquid nicotine locked up and out of the reach of children.
• Follow the specific disposal instructions on the label.
• If you think someone has been exposed to an e-cigarette or liquid nicotine, call your local poison center at 1-800-222-1222 immediately.

Click here for the most recent detailed data.

Click here for AAPCC's tobacco & nicotine prevention resource page.

Click here to read AAPCC's press release on the FDA's extension to regulate e-cigarette and additional nicotine products 

In 2016, through November 30, AAPCC has received 1,395 e-cigarette devices and liquid nicotine reported exposures across all age groups.

PLEASE NOTE:  All NPDS data reported by the American Association of Poison Control Centers for 2014 and 2015 is considered preliminary because it is possible that a poison center may update a case anytime during the year if new information is obtained.

The term "exposure" means someone has had contact with the substance in some way; for example, ingested, inhaled, absorbed by the skin or eyes, etc. Not all exposures are poisonings or overdoses.

E-cigarette Device and Liquid Nicotine Reported Exposures to Poison Centers