The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) held a press conference Thursday morning warning folks of the dangers of e-cigarettes being around children.

ODH Director, Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff says that the number of e-cigarette exposures in children in Ohio has nearly tripled within the past seven years. Dr. Vanderhoff warns that with e-cigarette's it's more than just secondhand smoke you need to worry about.

"We all know that secondhand smoke can cause serious harm to others. But now, I want to raise the alarm that the liquid in e-cigarettes or vaping devices are proving to be an increasing risk for our young children," Dr. Vanderhoff said.

Dr. Vanderhoff says young children could be poisoned by swallowing the liquid, taking a puff or even simply absorbing it through their skin or eyes.

According to Dr. Vanderhoff, more than 70% of these exposures have been reported in children five years old and younger.

Chief of Toxicology for Nationwide Children's Hospital, Dr. Hannah Hays says the most common symptoms exhibited by children exposed to e-cigarette liquid include vomiting, fast heart rates, jitteriness and agitation, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth.

Dr. Hays says some cases are more serious than others.

"One child had a large ingestion of 10 milliliters and lost consciousness, [experienced] muscle jerking, repeated vomiting and had to be placed on a ventilator or breathing machine," Dr. Hays said.

According to Dr. Hays, the best way to prevent children from being exposed to e-cigarettes is keeping them out of their reach and sight and not smoking near them, as children often imitate their environment.

"Parents should know that children can get sick just from touching a device. Even from touching a device that is intact," Dr. Hays said.

If your child is exposed to e-cigarette liquid or is exhibiting these symptoms, you can contact the poison control hotline any time at 1-800-222-1222 to speak to a poison specialist.