COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health is warning about a recent increase in e-cigarette-related injuries, which are especially impacting Ohio children under five years old.
“I want to raise the alarm that the liquids in e-cigarettes or vaping devices are proving to be an increasing risk to our young children,” Dr. Vanderhoff said during a virtual press conference. “This liquid can contain nicotine, and also THC, CBD, flavors, or some combination of those. Young children can be poisoned by swallowing the liquid, taking a puff – if they have seen someone else use it -- or even from absorbing it through their skin or eyes.”
According to the Ohio Department of Health, Ohio poison centers have seen the number of reported vape liquid exposures triple from 130 in 2015 to 360 in 2022.
Between 2015-2022, more than 70% of the reported exposures were from children five years and younger.
ODH officials say that when liquid nicotine is rapidly absorbed when swallowed or spilled on the skin, symptoms can develop in just minutes.
Symptoms of a small exposure include nausea and vomiting while a large exposure can affect heart rate and blood pressure and potentially cause seizures.
Currently, 2023 is on pace to see another increase in exposures with already 328 exposures being reported through September.
“I think many Ohioans have simply been unaware of these very real risks,” Dr. Vanderhoff said, “and I want people who have vaping supplies in their home to become more aware of the risks these devices can pose to children.”
Anyone who is exposed is asked to call the Poison Control Hotline which is available 24/7 at 800-222-1222.
