COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health has issued a warning about an increase in injuries due to exposure to e-cigarette devices including liquid nicotine, specifically among children ages 5 and under.
According to ODH, the number of vape liquid exposures reported to Ohio Poison Centers has nearly tripled, from 130 in 2015 to 360 in 2022. The data collected through September 2023 shows 328 exposures reported.
“I want to raise the alarm that the liquids in e-cigarettes or vaping devices are proving to be an increasing risk to our young children,” said ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. “This liquid can contain nicotine, and also THC, CBD, flavors, or some combination of those. Young children can be poisoned by swallowing the liquid, taking a puff – if they have seen someone else use it, or even from absorbing it through their skin or eyes.”
ODH reports that of the 1,762 total exposures reported between 2015 and 2023, more than 70% have been reported among children ages 5 and younger.
Symptoms of a small exposure to liquid nicotine are nausea and vomiting. Large exposures can affect heart rate, blood pressure and could cause seizures. Young children may need to be evaluated in a health care facility or need emergency medical care for these exposures.
ODH has put in work in recent years to combat a rise in youth vaping.
In October 2019, Gov. Mike DeWine passed the “Tobacco 21” law that made selling any type of tobacco or nicotine products to Ohioans under 21 a criminal offense.
According to an ODH study done in 2021, the number of students who reported currently using a vape product fell among middle schoolers from 11.9% to 9.0% and for high schoolers from 29.8% to 20.0%.
“I think many Ohioans have simply been unaware of these very real risks,” said Vanderhoff. “And I want people who have vaping supplies in their home to become more aware of the risks these devices can pose to children.”
If an exposure does occur, call the Poison Control Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-222-1222 to speak to poison specialists.
Department of Health director warns of rise in e-cigarette related injuries among children
According to ODH, the number of vape liquid exposures reported to Ohio Poison Centers has nearly tripled, from 130 in 2015 to 360 in 2022.