The popularity of nicotine pouches has been linked to a surge in nicotine poisoning among young children, according to a new study.
Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio used a decade’s worth of data from over 134,000 cases of children under six who accidentally ingested nicotine. The study revealed that most exposure types, such as vapes and gums, declined after 2016. However, one delivery method, nicotine pouches, surged more than 760% between 2020 and 2023.
“It’s a high-concentration nicotine product, and it tastes good,” said Dr. Natalie Rine, director of the Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and co-author of the study, per CNN.
“There’s nothing telling the kid, ‘this is bad, you should spit it out’ … and that’s where you get into trouble.”
Nicotine pouches have only been available for sale in the United States since 2014. While they do not contain tobacco, they do contain synthetically or naturally derived nicotine, alongside flavorings and sweeteners.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims the products are now the second-most used nicotine product among young people in the country, with use among teens doubling between 2021 and 2024.
Pouches contain between three and 12 milligrams of nicotine. While this is a lower level than most cigarettes, a person usually only absorbs around one to 1.5 milligrams of nicotine from a single cigarette.
Compared to other smokeless nicotine products accidentally ingested by children, pouches were linked to 150% greater risk of serious medical effects.
Fortunately, the majority of pediatric nicotine ingestions did not result in harm to the child. However, in more than 1,600 cases, children did experience serious medical outcomes.
Rine advises parents to avoid using the products in front of their children and to ensure the pouches are stored safely when not in use.
If you suspect a child may have ingested a pouch, Rine recommends calling Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, where trained staff can decide if emergency care is required.