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Not sure what to do? Have an urgent question?

If your child is having symptoms or you don't know the exact substance or amount swallowed, call the Poison Center Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

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My Child Ate Cigarettes

Q: My child ate a cigarette. What should I do?

Cigarettes are highly toxic. If your child swallowed or sucked on a cigarette or cigarette butt, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222 .

Cigarettes are highly toxic .

If your child swallowed or sucked on a cigarette or cigarette butt, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

What to know: Cigarettes

Cigarettes contain nicotine and tobacco, and can include brands like Newport, Camel, Marlboro and more.
If your child ingested a small amount of nicotine, you can manage the situation at home with IPC’s help. Large amounts of nicotine, however, can be life-threatening.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My child ate a cigarette. What should I do?

Cigarettes are highly toxic and are not meant to be used or consumed by children.

If you suspect your child ate or sucked on a cigarette, call IPC immediately at  1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to your situation.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Ingesting cigarettes can cause vomiting, sweating, drowsiness/tiredness, shaking, confusion, seizures and even death.

If your child develops any symptoms, or could have had contact with cigarettes, tobacco, or nicotine, call IPC now at 1-800-222-1222.

Eye Exposure

Cigarettes may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.
If your child got cigarette ashes in their eyes, rinse by pouring clean, lukewarm water across the affected eye(s) for 15 minutes.

For more instructions, please see our page on eye exposure information.