Nicotine exposure can be extremely dangerous for infants and young children. Nicotine is highly addictive and toxic, and children’s bodies are much more sensitive to the effects. Even small or infrequent exposures can be harmful. Nicotine can affect a child’s developing brain, lungs, heart, and other organs. It is critical to keep all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, out of reach of infants and children.
How can infants be exposed to nicotine?
There are a few primary ways infants can be exposed to nicotine:
- Secondhand smoke – Being around parents, family members, or others who smoke or vape can expose infants to nicotine and other harmful chemicals. This includes tobacco smoke as well as emissions from e-cigarettes.
- Oral consumption – Infants exploring their environments may accidentally ingest e-cigarette liquid, chewing tobacco, cigarette butts, or other tobacco products. These can be nicotine poisoning hazards.
- Skin contact – Handling tobacco products and touching surfaces where smoke residue accumulates can lead to skin absorption of nicotine.
Infants are especially vulnerable because they spend a lot of time in close contact with parents and caregivers, and put objects in their mouths as they explore. Preventing any access to tobacco and vapor products is key.
What are the risks and effects of nicotine exposure in infants?
Nicotine exposure poses a wide range of risks for infants, including:
Brain development effects
- Nicotine is a neurotoxin that can alter brain cell activity and neurotransmitters during key developmental stages.
- It can negatively impact cognition, learning, memory, attention, auditory processing, mood regulation, and impulse control.
- These brain development effects can lead to behavioral problems as well as learning disabilities later in childhood.
Physical health effects
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Heart arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats
- Constriction of lung airways and reduced lung function
- Increased risk of asthma and respiratory illness
- Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Nicotine poisoning and overdose
- Accidentally ingesting tobacco products can cause nicotine poisoning, with symptoms like seizures, coma, and even death.
- Infants have a lower nicotine tolerance. The lethal dose of nicotine for children is around 1 mg/kg body weight.
- For a 10 kg (22 lb) 1 year old, 10 mg of nicotine could be a fatal overdose.
Secondhand Smoke Effects
Exposure to secondhand smoke is one of the biggest risks for infants. Effects include:
- Greater risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome)
- Increased frequency of asthma attacks
- More ear infections and respiratory illnesses
- Higher rates of behavior disorders
Secondhand smoke remains dangerous to infants even at low levels or infrequent exposures. It contains over 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are hazardous.
Secondhand Smoke Stats
| Effect | Risk Increase |
|---|---|
| SIDS | 2-5 times higher |
| Severe asthma | 2-3 times higher |
| Ear infections | 2-3 times higher |
| Respiratory illnesses | 2-3 times higher |
As the statistics show, secondhand smoke significantly increases an infant’s health risks across the board. Eliminating exposure is critical.
Thirdhand Smoke Risks
Thirdhand smoke refers to toxins left behind on surfaces and fabrics after smoking. Infants are prone to ingesting thirdhand smoke residues in a couple key ways:
- Hand to mouth contact after touching contaminated surfaces and objects
- Inhalation of microscopic particles released back into the air
Though less studied than direct smoking, thirdhand smoke appears to increase risks of:
- Asthma, wheezing, and reduced lung function
- Neurodevelopmental issues due to brain changes
- Behavioral disorders like hyperactivity
Thirdhand smoke contains heavy metals, carcinogens, and other hazardous compounds that can penetrate deep into infant’s still-developing organs. Proper cleaning and hygiene practices are important to minimize this threat.
E-Cigarette and Vaping Risks
Many people believe e-cigarettes and vaping are harmless alternatives to smoking around children. However, they still pose significant risks including:
- Nicotine poisoning if e-liquid is ingested or absorbed through the skin
- Exposure to fine particles that can irritate lungs and airways
- Secondhand exposure to other chemicals and metals
- Normalizing and modeling smoking behaviors
Both the nicotine and aerosols/vapors from e-cigarettes should be kept away from infants. Usage should follow the same precautions as traditional cigarette smoking around kids.
E-Cigarette Poisoning Cases
| Year | Reported Cases |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 269 |
| 2013 | 1,543 |
| 2014 | 4,016 |
| 2015 | 7,701 |
Reported nicotine and e-cigarette poisoning cases have skyrocketed as vaping becomes more popular, especially among youth. Infants and kids are disproportionately affected.
How to Prevent Nicotine Exposure
Parents, family members, and anyone caring for an infant should take these steps to protect them from nicotine:
- Don’t smoke or vape around infants or while holding/caring for them
- Don’t allow others to smoke/vape near the baby
- Choose smoke-free child care facilities and environments
- Never leave tobacco products unattended where infants can reach them
- Keep e-cigarettes and liquids locked away and disposed of safely
- Wash hands after smoking and before handling baby
- Keep car and home smoke-free with proper air filters
- Don’t allow smoking in the home even when infant isn’t there
Modeling a smoke-free lifestyle for children is also extremely beneficial long-term. Seek support in quitting smoking if needed.
Signs of Nicotine Poisoning
Look for these signs of possible nicotine poisoning in infants:
- Pale skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Vomiting
- Agitation, confusion
- Weakness and lethargy
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
Nicotine poisoning requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 or poison control if an overdose is suspected.
Treatment Options
For mild nicotine exposure, doctors may recommend:
- Closely monitoring vitals
- IV fluids for hydration
- Medications to stabilize heart rate and breathing
- Activated charcoal to prevent nicotine absorption
With seizures, coma, or stopped breathing, more aggressive interventions are required. Long-term effects may need occupational therapy, speech therapy, and behavioral interventions.
Conclusion
Any amount or type of nicotine exposure poses serious health risks to infants. From cigarette smoke to e-cigarette vapors, nicotine can damage developing brains, lungs, and other vital organs. Secondhand, thirdhand, and accidental nicotine exposure must be avoided through strict preventative measures and limiting of all tobacco product use around infants. Protecting infants’ health also means modeling a tobacco-free environment. Understanding the dangers of nicotine and being vigilant about eliminating exposure are key to keeping infants safe.