Where It Comes From
Tobacco plants; cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco; e‑cigarette/vape liquids (including nicotine salts); some quit‑smoking medicines contain nicotine [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Inhaling smoke or vapor; swallowing e‑liquids; skin contact from spills or handling tobacco; secondhand smoke or aerosol [1][2].
Why It Matters
Causes addiction; raises heart rate and blood pressure; can trigger nausea and vomiting; very high doses can cause seizures and death; harmful during pregnancy and to teen brain development [1][2][3].
Who Is at Risk
Pregnant people and fetuses; infants and children; teens; people with heart disease; workers handling tobacco leaves or nicotine liquids [1][2][3][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Don’t smoke or vape; avoid secondhand smoke/aerosol; store e‑liquids locked and in child‑resistant containers; clean spills with gloves and wash skin; use approved quit‑smoking aids as directed; seek medical care or poison help after significant exposure [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs for Nicotine and Related Compounds. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tfacts121.pdf
- [2]CDC. Quick Facts on the Risks of E‑cigarettes for Kids, Teens, and Young Adults. https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html
- [3]WHO. Q&A on e‑cigarettes. https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/e-cigarettes-and-similar-devices
- [4]CDC/NIOSH. Green Tobacco Sickness. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/greentobaccosickness/