Nicotine pouches like Zyn have seen a massive surge in popularity in the United States. However, this rise in popularity has also brought about a significant increase in the risk of young children accidentally ingesting these pouches, leading to potentially serious consequences, as revealed by a recent study.
According to the study, there were a total of 134,663 cases reported between 2010 and 2023 of young children unintentionally consuming nicotine in various forms, including pouches, gum, tablets, and e-cigarette liquids. While most of these incidents resulted in minor symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, 1.2% of cases had severe medical outcomes like seizures or respiratory failure. Tragically, two children under the age of 2 lost their lives after ingesting liquid nicotine.
Natalie Rine, one of the study’s authors and the managing director of Central Ohio Poison Center, emphasized the importance of not underestimating the potential harm of nicotine products just because many cases do not result in serious consequences. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, highlighted that while nicotine pouches accounted for only 1.4% of accidents, they were more likely to lead to severe health issues and hospital admissions compared to other forms of nicotine products. The number of accidents involving nicotine pouches skyrocketed by 763% from 2020 to 2023, reflecting the increased popularity of these products.
One of the key factors contributing to the risk associated with nicotine pouches is their high concentration of nicotine, with some brands containing up to 15 milligrams per pouch. The attractive flavors of these products make them appealing to children, who may unknowingly consume a dangerous amount of nicotine by ingesting multiple pouches.
While nicotine tablets and e-cigarette liquid cartridges were the most commonly ingested products among young children, the implementation of childproof packaging laws in 2015 led to a decrease in accidents involving liquid nicotine. The study recommended further policy changes, such as a federal ban on flavored nicotine products, to reduce accidental poisonings. Brands like Zyn, Lucy, and On! offer a variety of flavors that could attract children to ingest these products.
In addition to policy changes, the study also suggested design modifications to e-cigarette cartridges to prevent accidental ingestion. It advised parents and caregivers to store nicotine products in locked cabinets rather than easily accessible places like backpacks or purses to ensure the safety of children.
Overall, the research underscores the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent accidental nicotine exposure in children, especially with the increasing popularity of nicotine pouches and other flavored nicotine products in the market. By implementing stricter regulations and promoting safe storage practices, the incidence of unintentional nicotine ingestion among young children can be significantly reduced.
