Consumer Reports: Large and growing reports of kids poisoned by e-cigarettes

A Consumer Reports study indicates a large and growing number of poison calls relating to e-cigarettes used by children under the age of five.

Throughout the United States, poison control centers have received 1,571 calls relating to nicotine exposure through June 2014. In 2013, 1,414 calls concerning nicotine exposure were logged for the entire year. If reports this year continue in the same pattern over the remainder of 2014, nicotine poison calls will more than double this year.

As a result, Consumer Reports is seeking  legislation to allow the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to require e-cigarette manufacturers to make child safety packaging for liquid nicotine containers.

Many of the reports involve children who have ingested nicotine, some who inhaled it and others who absorbed the liquid through the skin or eyes. The most common side effects seen were vomiting, nausea and eye irritation.

The effects of nicotine poisoning can be especially dangerous for children requiring them to be admitted to the emergency room.

A recent congressional report also found manufactures intentionally target children with advertisements that use celebrities to entice teens and by offering free samples of fun flavors like Chocolate Treat or Cherry Crush.

Jeffrey Newman represents whistleblowers