COLUMBUS – The state Department of Health is sounding a warning about the dangers vaping devices pose to young children amid a dramatic increase in injuries.
The number of vape liquid exposures reported to Ohio Poison Centers has nearly tripled, from 130 in 2015 to 360 in 2022, and the trend is continuing with 328 exposures reported through September, according to the department’s data.
Of the 1,762 total exposures reported between 2015 and 2022, more than 70% –1,301 — have been reported among children ages 5 years and younger.
“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,” ODH director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said.
Liquid nicotine is rapidly absorbed when swallowed or spilled on the skin and can result in symptoms in just minutes.
Symptoms of a small exposure are nausea and vomiting. Large exposures can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and even cause seizures. Young children may need to be evaluated in a health care facility or need emergency medical care for these exposures, Vanderhoff said.