NJ Health Commissioner Warns Liquid Nicotine Can Be Lethal To Children
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- The New Jersey Department of Health is raising awareness about the potential health risks e-cigarettes pose to children.
The liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes can be lethal, according to New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary O'Dowd, who said the colors used to market the products and the flavors can be appealing to children.
"If left unattended on a table or in an unsafe environment a child may inadvertently try it out," O'Dowd said.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, O'Dowd said if swallowed, the amount of nicotine in some small 15 milliliter bottles is sufficient to kill four small children, 1010 WINS' Rebecca Granet reported.
Absorbing the liquid through the skin can be harmful as well.
"It's very important that someone who has this in their home understand that these products are dangerous to children and that they store them in a very safe way," O'Dowd said.
As for the best prevention, the commissioner said don't purchase the product.