DRUG & POISON INFORMATION CENTER | | National Poison Prevention Week Recap! | | National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) was held from March 15-21, 2026 and this year’s theme was “When the Unexpected Happens, Poison Help is here for You.” Don't wait for an emergency, be prepared and save the Poison Help line in your phone today: 1-800-222-1222. Visit the Drug and Poison Information Center online to download or request materials and resources all year long! | | |
Nicotine Pouches: 6 Talking Points for Parents and Teens
The term “smokeless tobacco” may sound harmless to some teens, but it’s not. Nicotine pouches are the newest smokeless tobacco products on the market, meaning they do not contain material from tobacco leaves.But that doesn’t mean they’re safe to use. Read on for facts about nicotine pouches and the conversation you need to have with your kids about them.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Oral nicotine pouches are small, white pouches that contain nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients. They are placed between the lip and gum. As they slightly dissolve, nicotine is released into the bloodstream. The user experiences a nicotine “hit” without having to smoke or spit.Current common slang terms for nicotine pouches are “upper decky” and “lip pillow.”
What Risks Come With Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical that has some serious risks, especially for children and teens.
Accidental poisoning and addiction are not the only risks of nicotine use, however. Use this list of topics below to talk to your kids about the dangers of nicotine and nicotine pouches.
6 Nicotine Pouch Facts to Discuss With Your Teen
Appealing flavors are one of the main reasons that youth start using nicotine pouches at an early age. Helping them understand the downsides is crucial. Use these facts to make them aware of nicotine’s effects on the body and brain:
- Nicotine pouches contain chemicals that may cause cancer.
- Nicotine exposure during youth can disrupt brain development, attention, learning, and memory.
- Using nicotine products affects the heart. They cause an immediate increase in heart rate and blood pressure, and a decrease in blood flow. Long-term use can cause high blood pressure, heart disease and/or stroke. Youth may be more at risk for long-term effects because their cardiovascular and nervous systems are still developing.
- Nicotine is absorbed rapidly into the body from nicotine pouches. This may raise the chances of addiction.
- Nicotine can be poisonous in large amounts. That means even a small amount can be dangerous to young kids.
- Using nicotine pouches is associated with poor mental health outcomes. Users may experience:
- Reduced ability to control impulses
- Decreased cognitive ability, meaning your mental skills don’t work as well
- Increased risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and depression
How to Start the Conversation With Your Kids
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to talk to your kids about the dangers of nicotine and nicotine pouches. Here are some tips for getting the conversation started:
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Lead with empathy. Avoid making accusations.
- Encourage your kids to be open with you about any substance use conversations. Provide a safe space for honesty.
- Emphasize that these products may seem safe, but they have hidden risks.
Nicotine pouch use is still low. However, it’s important to start the conversation early to prevent future substance use or misuse. The bottom line is that using any tobacco product during youth is unsafe.
Safely Store Nicotine Pouches for Adult Use
If you keep nicotine pouches in your home for adult use, follow these guidelines for safe storage:
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Store products up and away. Keep nicotine pouches out of reach of children and pets. A locked cabinet is the safest place.
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Keep products in their original containers. Unmarked containers can lead to accidental exposure.
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Don’t use products in front of children. Kids love to imitate. Teach your children that these products are for adults only.
If you are concerned that your child has swallowed a nicotine pouch, call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 for assistance, 24/7/365. If your child is experiencing severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, loss of consciousness, or a seizure, call 911 immediately.
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Poisonous and Non‑Poisonous Plants: What Every Family Should Know
Plants bring beauty, color, and calm into our homes and outdoor spaces—but not all plants are as harmless as they look. Some common houseplants and garden favorites can cause illness or injury if touched or eaten, especially for children and pets. The good news? With a little knowledge and planning, you can enjoy plants safely while reducing the risk of plant-related poisoning.
Why Plant Safety Matters
Some plants are poisonous when eaten, while others can cause skin irritation simply through touching them. In certain plants, all parts are toxic; in others, only specific parts—such as berries, seeds, or leaves—are dangerous. Effects can range from mild stomach upset or skin rash to severe illness, and in rare cases, life‑threatening outcomes.
Young children are particularly at risk because they explore their world by touching and tasting. Pets can also chew on leaves or dig up bulbs. Even plants labeled “non‑poisonous” can present choking hazards or cause mild irritation if swallowed. A key takeaway is to never assume a plant is safe just because it’s natural or sold at a nursery.
Common Poisonous Plants You May Recognize
Many toxic plants are surprisingly common in homes, yards, and parks. These are some plants that often lead to calls for help:
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Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac – These plants cause itchy, blistering rashes from skin contact due to an oil called urushiol. Burning them is especially dangerous, as inhaling the smoke can cause lung irritation.
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Azalea and Rhododendron – These plants contain grayanotoxin. Eating or chewing on the leaves can cause numbness and irritation in the mouth. In some cases, vomiting, confusion, effects on the heart rate and seizures may occur.
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Lily of the valley, Oleander, Foxglove – These plants contain cardiac glycosides and are like heart medication. Ingestion can lead to nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and in some cases effects on the heart rate.
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Castor bean plant – Its seeds contain ricin, one of the most potent plant toxins known. Poisoning is rare due to the hard coating on the seeds. But, if the seeds are crushed or chewed symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and in serious cases effects on the liver, kidneys and nervous system.
Non‑Poisonous Plants: Safer Choices for Homes and Gardens
If you’re looking to add greenery without worry, many commonly grown plants are considered non‑poisonous to people. Some examples include:
- African violets
- Begonias
- Gardenias
- Lilacs
- Impatiens
- Marigolds
These plants do not contain dangerous toxins, though supervision is still important for young children to prevent choking or stomach upset. Keep in mind, non‑poisonous does not mean edible. Children should always be taught not to eat any plant unless an adult confirms it is safe.
Smart Tips for Preventing Plant‑Related Poisonings
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Learn and label the plants in your home and yard so you know which ones may be harmful.
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Keep houseplants out of reach of small children.
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Supervise outdoor play, especially in areas with wild plants or berries.
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Wear gloves when gardening and wash hands afterward to avoid skin irritation from plant oils.
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Never eat wild plants unless you are absolutely certain of their identity. Mistakes with look‑alike plants have caused serious poisoning and even death.
The Bottom Line
Plants enrich our lives, but they deserve respect and caution. Knowing which plants are poisonous, choosing safer alternatives, and teaching children simple rules about plant safety can prevent most accidents. With awareness and a bit of planning, you can enjoy a greener home and garden—safely.
What to Do If Exposure Happens
If someone may have eaten or touched a poisonous plant, do not wait for symptoms. Call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) at 1‑800‑222‑1222 for free, confidential, expert help - 24/7/365. If possible, save a piece of the plant for identification.
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© 2026 By the Cincinnati Drug & Poison Information Center (DPIC)
Editors: Alysha Currie RN, MSN, CSPI, OCPC, ICPS, CARN; Sheila Goertemoeller, PharmD, DABAT, OCPC, ICPS, FAACT; Julia Conroy, MAEd, MCHES; Jewel Page, BS; Jonathan Colvin, RN, MS, CSPI; Shan Yin, MD, MPH, FAAP, FACMT
The opinions expressed herein are those of the contributing authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor, publisher or supporting institutions. DPIC is a service of the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Children’s Hospital Research Foundation. Services are also supported by: the US Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA), the Ohio Department of Health, Hamilton County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services (ODADAS). Additional support for DPIC services is provided by Cuyahoga Department of Health and Human Services and additional member hospitals.
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