Adverse Effects of e-Cigarette Exposures

In 2007, a new source of nicotine exposure was introduced to the United States market, the electronic cigarette (ECIG) or “e-cigarette”. Since then, the USA ECIG market has been doubling annually. Despite their widespread popularity, there is a paucity of existing data regarding ECIG toxicity. We report the experience of a statewide poison system. The database of a statewide poison system was queried for human ECIG exposures from 2010 (when Poisindex code first generated)through 2012. Year, age, manner and route of exposure, estimate exposure amount, product concentration, if evaluated at healthcare facility and symptoms were recorded. A total of 35 cases were identified—4 in 2010, 12 in 2011, 19 in 2012. Age range 8 months–60 years. Reported symptoms were mild and transient. Five patient swere evaluated in an emergency department and none were admitted. Product concentrations ranged from 4 to 30 mg of nicotine per ml. Poison centers are likely to see an increase in exposures to ECIG given their growing popularity. Our modest results suggest that adverse effects and accidental exposures to ECIG cartridges are unlikely to result in serious toxicity.