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Child Nicotine Pouch Poisonings Reach Record Levels

Flavored, high-concentration nicotine packets have reversed earlier declines in child poisonings; experts urge federal flavor bans, tougher packaging rules, secure storage.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 29: In this photo illustration, ZYN nicotine cases and pouches are seen on a table on January 29, 2024 in New York City. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is calling for federal action on ZYN, a popular nicotine pouch in the United States. The senator is asking the FTC and FDA to investigate the companies marketing and the health effects of the nicotine pouch. (Photo Illustration by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Containers of Zyn, a Phillip Morris smokeless nicotine pouch, are displayed for sale among other nicotine and tobacco products at a newsstand in New York. (BEBETO MATTHEWS/AP FILE)

Overview

  • A Pediatrics study using America’s Poison Centers data found 134,663 accidental nicotine ingestions in children under six from 2010 to 2023.
  • Accidental exposures to nicotine pouches surged 763% between 2020 and 2023, outpacing declines seen after 2015 child-resistant packaging laws.
  • Nicotine pouch ingestions were 1.5 times more likely to cause serious health outcomes and twice as likely to require hospitalization compared with other nicotine products.
  • Although most cases caused mild symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, 1.2% resulted in seizures or respiratory failure and two toddlers died after ingesting liquid nicotine.
  • Study authors recommend federal bans on flavored nicotine products, enhanced child-resistant packaging standards and secure home storage to curb the rise in pediatric poisonings.