Officials Warn of Child Nicotine Poisonings in Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota health officials are warning of the dangers of concentrated nicotine after a jump in nicotine poisonings of children.

The Minnesota Department of Health says the number of children age 5 and younger poisoned by nicotine has jumped from three in 2012 to 62 last year.

Reports say officials point to the rising use of e-cigarettes and the concentrated liquid nicotine products used with them. The devices have become a popular alternative to traditional smoking.

But health officials said Wednesday the "e-juice" used in the devices is more toxic than people realize.

A new Minnesota law requires e-juice to be sold in child-resistant packaging. But state Health Commissioner Ed Ehlinger says parents should still use caution and store the products out of the reach of children.