INDIANA – U.S. Poison Centers have reported a steady increase in cases of nicotine pouch exposure, with a notable rise from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2025. Approximately 72% of these cases involved children under the age of five. Nicotine pouches, which are small fiber pouches containing nicotine, can cause poisoning if children touch, chew, or ingest them.
Dangers and Symptoms
Nicotine can be a serious risk for young children due to its harmful effects, which can include confusion, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Nicotine pouches and their containers often have bright, colorful designs that may attract children, sometimes even resembling candy containers. The ingestion of nicotine pouches was the reported route of exposure for almost all cases (99%). It’s essential to keep these products out of the reach of children and pets.
Prevention and Safe Handling
To prevent accidental exposure, the FDA recommends several safety measures:
- Store products out of sight and reach: Keep nicotine pouch containers in a high, locked cabinet away from children and pets. Ask visitors who use these products to do the same.
- Use child-resistant packaging: Opt for FDA-authorized nicotine pouches that come with child-resistant packaging and ensure the container is fully closed when not in use.
- Keep products in their original containers: Avoid transferring nicotine pouches to containers that are not child-resistant.
- Handle out of children’s view: Do not use nicotine pouches in front of children and explain that these products are only for adults to handle.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you suspect someone has been exposed to a nicotine pouch, contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.poisonhelp.org.
For severe symptoms, such as a child who cannot wake up, has trouble breathing, or is having a seizure, call 911 immediately.
The FDA also has regulatory authority over other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigars, and encourages the public to report any unexpected health problems related to these products through the Safety Reporting Portal. Accidental exposure to nicotine-containing e-liquids can also be dangerous and even fatal to children.
