Liquid nicotine: One teaspoon could kill

It can be purchased on the Internet in flavors like bubble gum and chocolate—and just a teaspoon could kill a child: The New York Times takes a look at liquid nicotine, the e-liquid used in e-cigarettes, which it describes as a "powerful neurotoxin ... far more dangerous than tobacco." And with good reason: Reports of accidental liquid nicotine poisonings rose twice from 2012, reports Fox News.

The victims, many children under the age of four, can experience vomiting and seizures after being exposed to even a modest amount orally or through the skin.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune notes that the bottles often convey their flavors with potentially enticing photos of fruits or chocolate, which could attract youngsters.

And it's an unregulated toxin, sold legally to anyone with a reusable e-cigarette.

That "reusable" part may be a factor in the rise of poisonings; the Times points out that at their introduction, e-cigarettes were largely disposable. 

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