Safety

E-liquid swallowed or in the eyes?

Nicotine-containing liquid can cause severe poisoning. Call 112 immediately for breathing difficulty, unconsciousness or other life-threatening symptoms.

Editorial status: Aug 7, 202618+

Do not improvise

Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies. Keep the packaging and product available so professionals can identify composition and concentration.

Contact a poison centre

If there is no acute emergency, a regional poison information centre can advise. Age, weight, product name, nicotine content, estimated amount and time are important details.

Prevent exposure

Keep liquids closed, upright and out of reach of children and animals. Never transfer them into drink or food containers.

Note: This content is for general information and does not replace medical or legal advice.

Official sources and further reading

Sources are highlighted for safety, health, disposal and legal topics. Information may change; current authority guidance and legislation prevail.

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Related terms

Safety & health

Nicotine poisoning

Nicotine poisoning is acute harm caused by excessive nicotine exposure, for example after ingestion or a high dose. Symptoms are not diagnostic: in Germany contact a poison centre immediately if suspected, and call 112 for unconsciousness, seizures, severe breathing difficulty or other life-threatening signs.

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Safety & health

E-liquid ingestion

E-liquid ingestion can be acutely dangerous, especially with nicotine; for an alert person rinse the mouth, do not induce vomiting and contact a poison centre immediately, calling 112 for severe signs. Animal exposure requires prompt veterinary practice or clinic assessment because human poison centres do not cover it.

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Safety & health

Eye contact with e-liquid

Eye contact with e-liquid can cause painful irritation and, when nicotine is present, additional exposure. Remove contact lenses, immediately rinse the open eye with clean lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes and contact a poison centre; persistent symptoms need medical assessment.

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Safety & health

Poison control centre

A poison control centre is a regional toxicology advice service for acute or suspected poisoning, including from e-liquid or nicotine. Germany has several centres rather than one nationwide number; call 112 instead when there is immediate danger to life.

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Safety & health

Child-safe storage

Child-safe storage keeps vapes, liquids, pods, batteries and accessories closed, out of sight and reliably beyond children's reach. A high shelf alone may not suffice; child-resistant closures must engage and devices must not be accessible like toys.

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