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Poison Center Helpline 1-800-222-1222

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 Chewing Tobacco

chewing tabacco
Chewing Tobacco is Highly Toxic .

If your child ate any amount of chewing tobacco or saliva that contains chewing tobacco residue, call IPC immediately at 1-800-222-1222. This call is free and confidential.

What to know: Chewing Tobacco

  • Chewing tobacco is also known as tobacco, nicotine, smokeless tobacco, snuff and spit tobacco.
  • Nicotine is the toxic component of chewing tobacco. Ingesting small amounts can be managed at home with IPC’s help, but ingesting large amounts can be life-threatening.

Toxicity Level

What are toxicity levels?

My child swallowed chewing tobacco. What should I do?

Chewing tobacco is highly toxic.

If you suspect your child has swallowed chewing tobacco in any amount, or ingested saliva (spit) that could contain chewing tobacco residue, call IPC at 1-800-222-1222 immediately for advice specific to your situation.

Symptoms of Poisoning

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

If your child develops any symptoms, call IPC now at 1-800-222-1222.

Eye Exposure

  • Chewing tobacco may cause irritation if exposed to eyes.

  • If your child got chewing tobacco 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.

Have an urgent question or need more help?

Don't hesitate to call IPC at

1-800-222-1222

This call is free and confidential.

Poison Center HelplineCalls are free and confidential.

  1. In Case of Emergency

    Call 911 if someone is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing.

  2. Remain Calm

    Most poison emergencies can be resolved quickly over the phone.

  3. Call the Helpline

    Call 1-800-222-1222 if you are concerned that you or someone else has been exposed to a potentially harmful substance.