Number of kids accidentally swallowing nicotine pouches increased 763% in recent years, study finds

The rate of the number of young children who accidentally swallow nicotine pouches has soared in recent years, according to a new study.

The study, published Monday in the journal Pediatrics, found reports of children under 6 years old ingesting nicotine pouches increased from less than 1 per 100,000 in 2020 to more than 4 per 100,000 in 2023 — a 763% increase.

Unlike smoking and vaping, nicotine pouches — like popular brand Zyn — are smoke- and tobacco-free, but the pouches still contain nicotine, an addictive chemical that can be fatally toxic to young children.