Vaping is causing significant harm to young children, according to a recent official report. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that the number of children under five in the United States who were affected by e-cigarettes in 2023 was three times higher than in 2018. The report, which analyzed data from the National Poison Data System, identified 6,074 accidental exposures to e-cigarettes among young children in 2023, compared to 1,836 in 2018. The most common forms of accidental exposure were inhalation through the mouth and nose, followed by ingestion of the nicotine-rich liquid.
One concerning trend highlighted in the report is the increasing number of children who are imitating adults vaping. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults store their vaping devices safely to prevent poisonings. The report also revealed that Elf Bar, a popular disposable vaping device with high nicotine concentrations, was frequently involved in reported cases of dangerous exposure among young children.
The rising rates of e-cigarette poisonings through various means, such as inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, and eye exposure, suggest that older users may not be adequately storing their devices or supervising their children. Inhalation accounted for the majority of poisonings at 61%, followed by ingestion at 40%. Skin contact and eye exposure accounted for 3.5% and 1% of cases, respectively.
The sleek and appealing design of e-cigarettes contributes to the attraction for young children. Experts emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and prevention efforts to address the issue. While the increase in reports is concerning, it does not necessarily imply hospitalization or the need for further medical attention. Out of the reported cases, only 0.6% resulted in hospital admission, and 8.3% required treatment at a doctor’s office or clinic.
The CDC report did not specify the ages of those hospitalized or treated medically, but it is likely that most cases requiring medical intervention involved children. The potent e-liquids used in vaping can have severe effects on the developing bodies of young children. The awareness of these risks is crucial as e-cigarette products become more accessible to people of all ages.
Matthew Myers, President of the anti-smoking advocacy group Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, emphasized the growing dangers posed by highly potent nicotine content in e-cigarettes for young children. The US is not alone in witnessing an alarming increase in accidental exposure to e-cigarettes among children. Australia has also experienced a rise in cases, with toddlers aged one to four and children aged five to 14 being affected.
In 2021 alone, reports to New South Wales poison control centers showed a significant increase in poisonings among young children. Tragically, in 2019, an Australian baby died after being exposed to toxic levels of liquid nicotine from an e-cigarette. The coroner’s report highlighted that just one milliliter of concentrated liquid nicotine could be fatal for a child if ingested, inhaled, or splashed in their eyes. Continued efforts to raise awareness and implement preventative measures are crucial to protect young children from the harms of vaping.
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