The New Dangers of Electronic Cigarettes

Historically stable, the incidence of inadvertent exposures to nicotine products has increased in recent years. Much of this increase may be attributable to the advent of electronic cigarettes. The dramatic increase in adverse exposures to electronic cigarettes and liquid nicotine products also portends new and considerable risk of potential nicotine toxicity, given the previously inconceivable high concentrations of nicotine in these products. Furthermore, this increased risk of toxicity is borne disproportionately by young children. Inadvertent exposures to electronic cigarettes and liquid nicotine, most commonly in children less than 6 years of age and primarily via ingestion, result more often in adverse clinical health effects compared to conventional cigarettes. Vomiting is common, although severe nicotine poisoning may result in airway compromise, seizures, obtundation, and the need for critical interventions.