Poisonings linked to liquid in e-cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes have surged in popularity over the last few years. They have become a popular means of getting a nicotine dose without the actual smoking of a traditional cigarette. While they have helped many people wean from cigarette use and sometimes quit smoking all together, there are new health issues arising with e-cigarettes.
Poisonings linked to the refill liquid are on the rise, experts say. In February alone, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported 215 e-cigarette related poisoning calls as compared to 2010 where the average monthly call related to the devices was just one.
The refill liquid is a concentrated form of nicotine. It’s highly toxic and what’s worse, it comes in colorful liquids and flavors like bubblegum, banana, and spearmint which attract children, the CDC said. Fifty one percent of the 215 calls in February were regarding kids age 5 and younger. The toxic liquid causes severe vomiting and in some cases, death. There have even been reports of suicide from injecting the liquid.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not currently regulate electronic cigarettes. Poisoning can occur from inhaling the liquid or absorbing it through the skin or eyes. This means that even spilling it on the skin while refilling an e-cig can poison you.
There is a lack of legislation on e-cigarettes and perhaps introducing childproof packaging would be beneficial in reducing the number of poisonings, at least in children.
There is particular danger when smokers combine both regular cigarette smoking and the new alternative way of puffing.
Additionally, the CDC has warned that if smokers choose to puff both common and e-cigarettes, they may be raising their chances of harming their health.
“If large numbers of adult smokers become users of both traditional and e-cigarettes — rather than using e-cigarettes to quit cigarettes completely — the net public health effect could be quite negative,” said Tim McAfee, from the CDC in a recent statement.
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health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
There are many poisons in our households.Keeping them away from children is the problem.If they were around 20 years ago,many people would still be around.They are saving lives.Seems like certain groups want them banished regardless!
OR…and this may be crazy…keep out of reach of children…OR…and I know this is also crazy…teach children not to play with these things like we do with stoves, irons, medicine, knives, or other things that can hurt people. This really needs to go to the legislators to fix??? Are we that stupid?
Every day, it seems, new research comes out about the dangers of e-cigarettes. I hope regulations are put in place soon.
The only dangers are children getting their hands on the straight liquid, which falls back upon irresponsible parenting. Children could be poisoned by numerous household items. The antis in this fight, are just ignorant as to how much of a blessing these devices are. Smokers of all ages are converting to E-cigs, and prolonging life. Stop with the regs, its Big Tobacco that’s hurting the most in all this, and with the billions and billions in profit, they will stop at nothing to put an end to something that’s hurting their own pockets, yet saving countless lives.
Lisa Parro, this is not research, nor does this article cite any viable research. The problem is that people are being irresponsible and not keeping these liquids out of reach of children. Also, the CDC is using scare tactics. They fail to notify the public that three out of 4 of the ingredients in the liquids can be found in everything from toothpaste made for infants all the way up to bubble gum. Nicotine can be found in any plant from the Nightshade family, which included the tobacco plant. It also included tomatoes, potatoes, squash and many other fruits and vegetables, which means you ingest nicotine anytime you eat any of those.
My wife and I started with vapor e-cigs three weeks ago. We haven’t touched a “real” cigarette since. We have a 4 year old daughter and the refill “juice” in our house. We have had no problems with her drinking the “juice” or playing with the devices because we are parents and taught her not to. My wife and I feel healthier and don’t wreak of smoke. We spend more time with our daughter because we are not going outside as much. Etc, Etc, Etc. We do need more information on the devices, liquids, and second hand vapor. People need to be alerted to the dangers of the liquid and nicotine addiction. But e-cigs have helped us avoid 4,950 carcinogens found in cigarette smoke for three weeks. If you don’t smoke, don’t vape. If you smoke, switch to these. And be real about the risks.
vapor juice is available without nicotine,/ also different levels ,, glycol is not used , its glycerine.
after sixty years of real smoke , i am down to one cigarette a day, it works for me , using root beer vapor now at 18 ml. tank is the only way to go. lasts two days on a charge. thanks
Yes propylene glycol is definitely used, as well as vegetable glycerine. It depends on your own preference. But really, if you cant keep your kid from running with scissors, or drinking pine sol. Then you probably wont figure out how to keep them from drinking the e juice you left in the fridge.
The propylene glycol is pharmaceutical grade.. It’s used every day in western medicines and is not the same as the stuff in anti freeze .. With that being said this all boils down to common sense which isn’t so common anymore