CDC Seeing Increased Calls for Nicotine Poisining From E-Cigarettes

Only time will tell if e-cigarettes are a safer alternative versus smoking. However, we know now and today for a fact that the liquid used in these vapor pens is very dangerous.

In fact  the number of calls to poison centers in the U.S. relating to the liquids in e-cigarettes has risen from 1 per month in September 2010, to 215 per month in February 2014.

And to further put the fear of God into you, more than half of the calls are for children under the age of five. You see the liquid that e-cigarette users fill their pens with contains high concentrations of nicotine and comes in flavors like cookies and cream, bubblegum, fruit and chocolate. no doubt why children are confusing it for some kind of treat.  Poisoning related to e-cigarettes liquid nicotine can occur in three ways - by ingestion, inhalation or absorption through the skin or eyes.  The most common effect are nausea, vomiting and eye irritation.

Because this is not a medication it is not regulated by the FDA.  There is also no warnings required to be on the packaging and it can can be sold to minors.

CDC Director Tom Frieden says, ‘This report raises another red flag about e-cigarettes – the liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes can be hazardous,’

Said Tim McAfee, Director of CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health. ‘Health care providers, e-cigarette companies and distributors, and the general public need to be aware of this potential health risk from e-cigarettes.’

Meanwhile if you use e-cigarettes be sure to keep the liquid in a locked safe place away from children and pets.