For Immediate Release
Below is a highlight of a study appearing on the May PEDIATRICS electronic pages, the Internet extension of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To receive the full text of this study and interview contact information, please contact the AAP Division of Public Relations at 847-98107877 and ask for CE4. The complete study also is available on PEDIATRICS electronic pages at http://www.pediatrics.org.
NICOTINE PATCHES POSE POISONING DANGER FOR CHILDREN CHICAGO?
Nicotine patches should be stored in a safe place or discarded immediately after use because they can be toxic to children, according to a recent study published on Pediatrics electronic pages, the electronic journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Even though new nicotine patches pose a greater threat than used nicotine patches, 27 percent to 74 percent of nicotine may remain in a patch after use, according to researchers at Harvard Medical School, Childrens Hospital and the Massachusetts Poison Control System, Boston; Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pa.; Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, N.Y.; and National Capital Poison Center, Washington, D.C.
The researchers studied reports of 36 children younger than 16 years old (mean age of 3 years old) who were exposed to nicotine patches. The studys authors discovered that 18 children were exposed to the patches dermally, 16 children chewed or sucked on patches and two children may have ingested part of a patch. Exposure to used patches accounted for 78 percent of the reports.
Although 22 of the children didn't suffer any toxic effects, the researchers report that exposure to multiple nicotine patches, new patches, and prolonged application or exposure to used patches may have caused poisoning based on the children who did suffer toxic effects. These effects included gagging or burning in the mouth, vomiting, nausea, flushing, headaches, dizziness and fatigue.
The studys authors advise parents to use caution with nicotine patches around children by storing new patches in a locked medicine cabinet, making sure the patch doesnt fall off their skin or disposing used patches immediately. When children are exposed to nicotine patches for only a brief time, parents should remove the patch immediately, wash the skin and call their local poison center for advice.
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EDITORS NOTE: This study appeared on the peer-reviewed, scientific electronic pages of the American Academy of Pediatrics, but does not necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the Academy. The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 53,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
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