MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) – Health officials are warning parents about the rising dangers of nicotine pouches and vape liquids to young children, stressing that even small amounts can be toxic or deadly.
While some smokers turn to e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches as an alternative to traditional cigarettes, both products carry significant health risks — particularly for children. The Alabama Department of Public Health says e-cigarettes contain highly addictive nicotine and can harm developing brains in teens, children, and unborn babies when used during pregnancy.
The liquid in vapes is also hazardous outside its intended use. Children and adults have been poisoned after swallowing, inhaling, or absorbing it through their skin or eyes.
Nicotine pouches, which contain powdered nicotine mixed with flavorings and other ingredients, are becoming more popular. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports sales jumped from 126 million pouches in 2018 to 808 million in 2022.
A new study in Pediatrics highlights the dangers these products pose to kids under 6. Between 2010 and 2023, U.S. poison centers logged more than 134,000 cases involving young children — most of them toddlers, and nearly all occurring at home. While most cases were minor, two toddlers died after ingesting liquid nicotine used in vapes.
Health officials urge parents to store nicotine products out of reach and never use them in front of children. The safest option, they say, is to quit altogether.
The Alabama Quitline offers free support, including phone and online coaching, a personalized quit plan, and up to eight weeks of nicotine replacement therapy patches for those who qualify.
For help quitting tobacco, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, text QUIT to (205) 900-2550, or visit the Alabama Tobacco Quitline website.
