Is it water, or beer, or spiked seltzer, or even THC-spiked seltzer? From a kid’s point of view, they all look the same.
Look-alike products have long been a concern for accidental poisoning. There are more products than ever that look strikingly similar to each other, and it’s a danger to young children.
These beverages come in cans that can look very much like flavored waters, fruit juices, iced teas and other harmless products but actually contain alcohol, caffeine, or even THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the active ingredient in marijuana. In addition, they taste good, often with various fruity flavors that could lead to a child drinking a large amount of one of these products.
If a child unknowingly drinks one of these beverages, it could lead to serious consequences from an accidental poisoning. Here are products to be aware of at your upcoming celebrations where kids are present.
1. Look-Alike Alcoholic Drinks and Freezer Pops
Many of the current look-alike products are canned alcoholic beverages. There are seltzers, teas, coffees and kombucha with alcohol in them, and they often come in bright, attractive packaging.
These alcohol-containing products can range anywhere from 5-10% alcohol by volume (ABV). In some cases, the percentage of alcohol can be up to 15%. In comparison, a standard light beer has an ABV of 4.2%.
Other new products on the market include alcoholic freezer pops, which resemble ordinary popsicles. Product packaging for these new items can also be bright and colorful, which may make them even more attractive to children.
Why They’re Dangerous
- Alcohol is potentially toxic to children, and it only takes a small amount for it to be dangerous to them. Due to their smaller size, children are more likely to experience toxicity from ingesting canned alcoholic beverages than adults.
- Alcohol can affect a child’s blood sugar and central nervous system and slow down breathing.
- Children may also be more likely to consume a large amount of these products especially if they have an appealing flavor.
2. Look-Alike Highly Caffeinated Beverages
Other look-alike products contain very high concentrations of caffeine. These products can easily be mistaken for non-caffeinated beverages.
Why They’re Dangerous
Caffeine is a drug, and it has side effects. The dose and size of the person determine the extent of harm.
- Taken in high doses, or by susceptible individuals at normal doses, caffeine can cause palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, jitteriness, or sleep problems.
- In extreme cases, arrhythmias, seizures or even death could occur.
- In addition, some caffeinated beverages contain other ingredients that are not regulated by the FDA. This most commonly happens in energy drinks. They may include ginkgo, ginseng, taurine, guarana, kola nut, yerba mate, and more.
3. Look-Alike THC-Infused Beverages
With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana, cannabis-infused beverages are also now available for purchase in 24 states. Seltzers containing THC may look like ordinary beverages, but they may contain between 5 to 50mg or more of THC per can.
Much like alcoholic beverages, these pose a higher risk to children as they are more likely to become intoxicated from consuming small amounts due to their smaller body size.
Why They’re Dangerous
- The symptoms of marijuana overdose are much worse in kids than adults, due to the difference in their weight.
- Symptoms include pronounced drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, central nervous system depression (coma and breathing difficulty).
Tips to Help Prevent Accidental Poisonings in Kids
While no parent intends for their young child to drink beverages containing alcohol, THC, or high amounts of caffeine, the following tips may help prevent it from accidentally happening:
- Don’t leave drinks unattended. Be aware of where you or guests have left unfinished drinks and clean them up frequently. If you’ve hosted a party at your house, be sure to clean up the unfinished drinks before you go to bed.
- Leave beverages in their original containers. It can be very easy to confuse a flavored water or fruit juice with an alcoholic, THC-infused or caffeinated beverage if the drink is in an unmarked cup or glass.
- Put it away. Store drinks with alcohol, THC or high amounts of caffeine in a place that is out of the sight and reach of your children. Better yet, lock it up.
- Avoid putting kid-friendly drinks and adult-only drinks in the same cooler or fridge. Keep them separate and ensure kids know which drinks they are allowed to have.
- Talk to your child. If your kids are old enough to understand, talk to them about the potential dangers of alcohol, caffeine and THC and how these products may be packaged to make them look fun and attractive.
If you suspect your child has accidentally ingested alcohol, THC-infused or a highly caffeinated beverage please call the Drug and Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. Our specialists are available to provide free, confidential advice 24/7/365.
