Palmetto Poison Center
For Immediate Release:
March 31, 2014
The Palmetto Poison Center is alerting everyone to a danger in the home that
has become more common as its popularity has grown with both adults and
teens- electronic, or E-cigarettes. Specifically, the bottles of nicotine liquid used
to refill the cigarettes.
Electronic cigarettes have been around for many years and are currently
unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The concerning factor with the
liquid is that the concentration of nicotine varies depending on the manufacturer.
Liquid refills may contain high amounts of nicotine that if ingested or absorbed by
the skin can cause illness. Nicotine can cause nausea and vomiting, and even
seizures in large amounts. Just within South Carolina, the Palmetto Poison
Center’s data shows a 250% increase in the number of children and adults that
have been exposed to these products from 2012 to 2013. Due to the products
often being brightly colored and highly fragranced with candy flavors of bubble
gum, chocolate, etc, they can be very appealing children. Children are not the
only individuals affected by accidental exposure. Adults are often exposed by
mishandling the liquid because it can also be absorbed through the skin. Dr. Jill
Michels, managing director of the Poison Center advises ‘Parents should be
aware of this danger in their home. The refill bottles, of any size, are highly
concentrated and even a mouthful could be a medical emergency for a small
child.’
As with any product that has the potential to be a poison, Poison Centers
advocate keeping all products up high and out of the reach of children. Should
you suspect that your child or someone else has been exposed to an electronic
cigarette liquid refill please contact the Palmetto Poison Center immediately at 1800-222-1222. This nationwide number will connect you to your local poison
center in a matter of moments. The hotline is a free, confidential, service that
operates 24 hours day to provide poison treatment advice and information to
callers nationwide.