The IWK Regional Poison Centre is raising awareness about the potential dangers of nicotine juice.
Spokesperson Laurie Mosher says there have been more reports of kids being exposed to these products over the past few years, “Liquid nicotine hasn’t been regulated that well over the past few years and it is being sold on Facebook and on the internet with very toxic amounts of nicotine.”
Adults who choose to use these products need to ensure they are kept away from children.
“A few millilitres can causes seizures and toxicity in a small child, just a few drops. With the flavours that are very appealing, like bubble gum, coconut and chocolate flavours. These are flavours that would not deter a child from getting into it,” Mosher says.
Parents may not realize their child has eaten a toxic amount until they have severe symptoms, and have to be rushed to hospital.
Mosher says, “It is usually the refill cartridges that they get into. As well, there have been reports of adults mistaking the vape cartridges for eyedrops and have put them in their eyes. So there are different ways people can be exposed.”