23 mars 2023
Nicotine is a powerful neurotoxin used in pesticides. However, most of the liquids used in electronic cigarettes contain it. Ingestion or ocular projection can therefore expose to potentially serious adverse effects. This is underlined by the editors of the latest edition of the magazine Prescrire.
A total of 919 cases of poisoning from e-cigarette liquids were reported to the eight national poison control centers between mid-2019 and the end of 2020. In detail, a majority of accidents (74%) are associated with oral poisoning, i.e. ingestion. These accidents mainly concern children under 5 who were exposed because “the bottles had been opened by the children, or left open by those around them, or were damaged”specify the editors of the magazine Prescrire.
However, eye exposures have also been reported, this time affecting more people over the age of 65, having confused the liquid with eye drops x. A final category of exposure to these liquids is “Often following a leak of the liquid in the mouth while vaping or handling errors during the preparation of the electronic cigarette”add the editors.
A small amount of already toxic liquid
As far as oral exposure is concerned, “the severity of the symptoms depends on the quantity of e-liquid ingested and the concentration of nicotine in it”, explains the Belgian poison control center. In children, however, “A small dose of nicotine can already cause serious poisoning! A few milliliters of liquid can therefore be dangerous,” he specifies.
What are the symptoms ? Nausea, vomiting, pallor, dizziness, headache and palpitations first occur after ingestion. In severe poisoning, convulsions, heart rhythm disturbances and respiratory problems may also occur. “Severe poisoning can be potentially fatal”adds the Belgian poison control center.
How to react ? Immediately contact the Poison Control Center closest to you, having available the name of the product involved, the age of the victim, the quantity ingested. While waiting for medical instructions, “you can rinse your mouth and give a few sips of water to drink”. Et “for children under 13, we always recommend observation in the hospital, even if it is a small amount”continues the poison control center.
What to do in case of eye or skin contact?
In case of eye contact, irritation is the main risk. But in very rare cases, eye damage may occur. Immediately flush the eye with lukewarm water for several minutes. “If symptoms of irritation persist after rinsing (red eye, feeling of discomfort, pain), medical advice is required”.
Where skin contact is involved, “the nicotine contained in the refill liquid could, in certain cases, be absorbed by the skin and lead to intoxication”. This is why it is recommended to wash with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. If redness appears, contact your doctor.
Store these liquids away
To avoid these accidents, store e-cigarette liquids, such as the cigarettes themselves, out of the reach of children. And consider isolating them from medicines and other vials of vitamins and eye drops, in order to avoid any confusion. Finally, follow the instructions carefully.