Health officials are alerting parents to the growing risks that nicotine pouches and vape liquids pose to young children, emphasizing that even trace amounts can be harmful or fatal (MONTGOMERY, AL.) (WDNews).
Although some smokers choose to switch from regular cigarettes to e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches, both products pose serious health concerns, especially to young people. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, using e-cigarettes during pregnancy can damage growing brains in teens, kids, and unborn children since they contain extremely addictive nicotine.
Outside of its intended function, the liquid in vapes is also dangerous. Poisoning has happened to both adults and children who have swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed it via their eyes or skin.
A growing number of people are using nicotine pouches, which contain powdered nicotine combined with flavorings and other chemicals. Sales of pouches increased from 126 million in 2018 to 808 million in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
According to a recent Pediatrics study, these goods are harmful to children younger than six. More than 134,000 instances involving young children, the majority of whom were toddlers, were reported to U.S. poison centers between 2010 and 2023; almost all of these incidents took place at home. Two babies died after consuming liquid nicotine found in vapes, however the majority of cases were mild.
Parents are advised by health experts to keep nicotine products out of children’s reach and to avoid using them in front of them. They argue that quitting completely is the safest course of action.
For individuals who qualify, the Alabama Quitline provides free support, including online and phone coaching, a customized stop plan, and nicotine replacement therapy patches for up to eight weeks.
You can visit the Alabama Tobacco Quitline website, text QUITto (205) 900-2550, or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for assistance quitting tobacco.
