From the Guidelines
Ingesting vape juice is extremely dangerous and should never be done, as it can cause nicotine poisoning, which may lead to severe symptoms and even be fatal, as highlighted in a study published in Pediatrics in 2015 1. Vape juice (e-liquid) contains concentrated nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and flavorings that are meant to be vaporized and inhaled, not swallowed. Ingesting even small amounts of vape juice can cause nicotine poisoning, which may lead to symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- And in severe cases, can be fatal, with just one teaspoon of highly concentrated nicotine liquid being lethal to a child, as noted in the study 1. If someone has ingested vape juice, they should seek immediate medical attention or call poison control at 1-800-222-1222. Treatment typically involves supportive care to manage symptoms while the body processes the toxins. The danger comes from the rapid absorption of nicotine through the digestive system, which can overwhelm the body's ability to metabolize it safely. Always store vape products securely away from children and pets, and handle with care to prevent accidental ingestion, as recommended by the study 1 to protect children from tobacco, nicotine, and tobacco smoke. Key measures to prevent such incidents include requiring child-resistant containers for concentrated nicotine solutions and limiting the amount of nicotine in these products to non-lethal levels for young children, as suggested in the study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Stop use and ask a doctor if ... you get symptoms of nicotine overdose such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness, and rapid heartbeat The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Ingesting Vape Juice: Risks and Consequences
- Ingesting vape juice can be fatal, as evidenced by a case study where a 43-year-old woman died after ingesting homemade vape juice contaminated with toxic alcohol 2.
- The lack of strict regulation in vape juice production is a concern, as ingredients and their concentrations may vary widely from the labeling, leading to potential health risks 2.
- Vape juice can contain toxic substances such as methanol and propylene glycol, which can cause serious health problems, including anion gap metabolic acidosis, elevated serum lactate, and high serum osmolality 2.
Treatment and Management
- Activated charcoal may be used to treat poisoning from ingesting vape juice, as it can help prevent toxicity and improve clinical outcomes 3.
- However, the effectiveness of activated charcoal depends on various factors, including the time of administration and the type of poison ingested 3.
- Multiple-dose activated charcoal may be more effective than a single dose in enhancing the clearance of certain substances, such as carbamazepine, and improving clinical outcomes 4.
Health Risks Associated with Vaping
- Vaping has been linked to various health risks, including nicotine intoxication, which can cause serious health problems, including seizures, coma, and death 5.
- Nicotine exposure can also have negative effects on adolescents, including addiction and long-term health consequences 6.
- The use of electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and vaporizers, has been associated with a range of health problems, including respiratory issues and cardiovascular disease 6.