A bill headed to President Barack Obama’s desk would require child-proofing vials of liquid nicotine.
U.S. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida filed the bill after hearing about a rise in children getting sick, and even dying from, liquid nicotine poisoning.
“If the cap is not childproof, you get a drop on an infant, just on his skin, he’s going to get sick,” Nelson said.
Liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes comes in bright colors and fun flavors such as fruit punch, peppermint and gummy bear.
It’s sold in bottles children have been getting their hands on, and Nelson said calls to poison controls centers have spiked. Many of the calls involved children under 5 years.
Nelson’s bill requires child-resistant packaging for all vials of liquid nicotine sold in the U.S.
Catherine Welch reports for WMFE in Orlando. WMFE is a partner with Health News Florida, which receives support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
