Children & Nicorette Gum Poisoning

Nicotine in gum form contains about 2 to 4 milligrams of nicotine. The University of Washington estimates that the American cigarette contains 9 milligrams, but the smoker only ingests 1 milligram because of burn off.

Symptoms

A child who eats one piece of nicotine gum will experience nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, according to the Texas Poison Control Center. Depending on the child's size and the amount of gum ingested, the child may also have a seizure and/or an increase in pulse and blood pressure--even a coma is possible.

Significance

Nicotine gum poisoning is serious. The gum's close resemblance to other commercial brands that children can chew is the reason for many accidental poisonings.

Time Frame

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, the symptoms of nicotine poisoning can appear in children 15 to 30 minutes after the child ingests the gum.

Ingestion Clarified

Ingestion here is used interchangeably with chewing. Contrary to belief, the gum does not have to be swallowed in order to poison the child.

Contact

Contact the national or local unit of the Poison Control Center if you suspect that your child has chewed or eaten nicotine gum. Go immediately to the emergency room or call 911 if the child begins to exhibit symptoms.

References

• Michigan Department of Community Health: Nicotine Ingestion
• Texas Poison Control Center: Tobacco Products
• National Institutes of Health: Nicotine Poisoning

Resources

• Washington University: Nicotine and the Brain
• National Poison Control Center: Contact Information