COLUMBUS, Ohio — An Ohio bill would require liquid nicotine used in electronic cigarettes to be sold in child-resistant packaging.

E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that provide users with aerosol puffs that typically contain nicotine and sometimes flavorings like fruit, mint or chocolate.

The bill’s sponsor, state Sen. Shannon Jones, say the liquid nicotine refills can be harmful to children if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Poison centers reported an uptick in calls last year about exposures to e-cigarette devices and liquid nicotine, with many occurring in young children.

Under the bill, the state’s health department would develop packaging standards. Containers must be significantly difficult for a child under age 5 to open.

Violators could be fined up to $1,000.

State law already prohibits minors from obtaining, possessing and using the e-cigarettes.