A child of four years old, who ingested e-cigarette fluid, was admitted to a hospital in Yakutsk
In Yakutsk, Russia, a tragic incident occurred on a Sunday when a 4-year-old girl was hospitalized due to acute oral poisoning. The cause of her poisoning was identified as e-cigarette liquid, a substance known for its potential dangers, particularly in children.
The report was made to the juvenile affairs division of the Yakutsk police. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the serious risks associated with nicotine poisoning in children. Even small amounts of e-cigarette liquid can lead to severe complications such as seizures, respiratory failure, and in rare cases, death.
Common symptoms of nicotine poisoning in children include vomiting, pale skin, increased heart rate, excessive drooling, agitation or restlessness, tremors or seizures, dizziness or weakness, difficulty breathing, confusion or lethargy, and loss of consciousness. A study covering 2010-2023 reported 134,663 cases of accidental nicotine ingestion by children under 6, with 1.2% having serious medical outcomes including seizures or respiratory failure, and two deaths under age 2 involving liquid nicotine ingestion.
Nicotine pouches and e-cigarette liquids are particularly risky because they contain high concentrations of nicotine that are rapidly absorbed, causing a higher likelihood of severe poisoning compared to other nicotine products. The number of nicotine pouch poisonings in children surged by over 760% between 2020 and 2023, raising public health concerns.
In light of this incident, the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) has issued a warning to parents (legal guardians) to be vigilant and keep dangerous items, medications, household chemicals, etc., out of children's reach. The Ministry also advises monitoring children's safety, especially during summer when windows may be left open.
If nicotine poisoning is suspected in a child, it is a medical emergency. Immediate steps recommended include removing any remaining nicotine source from the child’s mouth, avoiding induced vomiting, and calling poison control or emergency services right away. Prompt medical treatment can significantly reduce the risk of severe harm.
As we continue to navigate the world of electronic devices and new products, it is crucial to remember the potential dangers they pose, especially to our youngest members of society. By staying vigilant and educating ourselves and our children about these risks, we can help prevent such tragedies from happening again.
The unfortunate incident in Yakutsk highlights the serious health-and-wellness risks associated with science advancements like e-cigarette liquids, particularly for children. Even small amounts of e-cigarette liquid can lead to severe health complications such as seizures, respiratory failure, and in rare cases, death. Furthermore, the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) advises parents to be vigilant in keeping dangerous items, including e-cigarette liquids, out of children's reach to prevent such incidents in the future.
