AUSTRALIAIf you think a child has swallowed, inhaled or spilled vape liquid on their skin, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 (24 hours, 7 days). If a child has collapsed or is not breathing, call 000 immediately.
Most safety conversations about vapes focus on the person using them. This one is about everyone else in the home. NSW Health warns that vapes attract children, are not child-resistant, and that a young child can die from a very small amount of nicotine. The good news is that the steps to prevent an accident are simple.
Why nicotine liquid is a particular risk
Vape liquids are considered high-risk for children for two reasons that NSW Health highlights: they can contain nicotine at high concentrations, and their packaging is often poor. Bright colours and sweet smells can also make devices and liquids look like toys or treats to a small child.
Poisons Information Centres receive calls about young children exposed to vapes every day, according to NSW Health. Pets face a similar risk, because many animals will chew small objects that smell interesting.
How to store products safely
Lock it away
The single most effective step is to keep devices, refills and liquids locked up and out of reach. A high shelf helps, but a locked cupboard or lockable box is better, because children climb.
Keep it out of everyday spaces
- Don’t leave devices on bedside tables, coffee tables or car consoles.
- Don’t keep them in handbags or jacket pockets that children can reach.
- Return items to storage straight after use, rather than “just for now”.
Keep the home and car smoke-free and vape-free
NSW Health recommends not vaping around young children and keeping both the home and the car smoke-free and vape-free.
Signs of nicotine exposure
NSW Health lists these possible symptoms after a child is exposed to vape contents:
- coughing
- vomiting
- drowsiness
- difficulty breathing.
Symptoms can appear quickly. Don’t wait for them to develop before seeking advice if you suspect exposure.
What to do if exposure happens
- Stay calm and move the child away from the product.
- Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice, even if the child seems well.
- If the child has collapsed, is having trouble breathing or is unresponsive, call 000 immediately.
- Keep the product or packaging so you can tell the health professional exactly what was involved.
The Poisons Information Centre is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day across Australia.
Safe disposal matters too
An accident can still happen after a product is finished. Dispose of used devices and empty containers where children and pets cannot get to them. Never place batteries in household bins. Our guide to disposing of a used vape explains the safer options available in Australia.
Conclusion
Secure storage is the simplest and most effective protection. Lock products away, keep them out of shared spaces and dispose of them carefully. Save 13 11 26 in your phone now, so the number is there if you ever need it.
Sources
- NSW Health, E-cigarette child safety resource
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Clinical practice guideline: nicotine poisoning