Lightning Learning: Nicotine Poisoning
““Nicotine poisoning has proven to be fatal in children since e-cigarettes were introduced several years ago. A fatal dose can be as little as 1mg/kg.””
What?
Nicotine poisoning has proven to be fatal in children since e-cigarettes were first introduced several years ago.
Whilst laws have been passed in the UK to increase the safety of e-cigarettes and refills, they remain a risk to children. As of May 2017...
10 ml maximum volume for a nicotine containing refill
Restrict nicotine containing e-liquids to a strength of no more than 20mg/ml
Child resistant and tamper evident
However, the fatal dose of nicotine can be as little as 1mg/kg, with a possible refill content of 200mg!
A UK regulated cigarette should contain no more than 1mg nicotine, with approx 25% left in the butt after smoking.
Why?
Early features include: GI upset, headache, confusion, dizziness, weakness, hypersalivation, sweating and increased bronchial secretions. Tremor, diaphoresis and pallor may also occur.
Sympathetic features: tachycardia, tachypnoea, hypertension and agitation followed by bradycardia, hypotension and respiratory depression.
Severe poisoning: arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, coma, convulsions and respiratory and cardiac arrest may occur.
