#14,459
We've been following the CDC's investigation into unexplained acute pulmonary illnesses linked to using e-cigarettes (see CDC Clinical Action: Unexplained Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Illness) for more than 6 weeks, and as feared - the number of identified cases continues to rise.
Although the numbers thus far affected are very small compared to the number of people using e-cigs - until the cause can be identified (and hopefully rectified) - the entire industry remains under a cloud.Excerpts from latest CDC update, posted yesterday, follow:
Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping
Posted October 10, 2019 at 1:00pm ET
CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multistate outbreak of lung injury associated with use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
If you have questions about CDC’s investigation into the lung injuries associated with use of electronic cigarette, or vaping, products, contact CDC-INFO or call 800-232-4636.
What we knowWhat we don’t know
- As of October 8, 2019, 1,299* lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products have been reported to CDC from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 1 U.S. territory.
- Twenty-six deaths have been confirmed in 21 states.
- All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
- Most patients report a history of using THC-containing products. The latest national and regional findings suggest products containing THC play a role in the outbreak.
- Approximately 70% of patients are male.
- Approximately 80% of patients are under 35 years old.
- 15% of patients are under 18 years old
- 21% of patients are 18 to 20 years old
- The specific chemical exposure(s) causing lung injuries associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping, remains unknown at this time.
- No single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases.
- The outbreak is occurring in the context of a dynamic marketplace for e-cigarette, or vaping, products, which may have a mix of ingredients, complex packaging and supply chains, and include potentially illicit substances.
- Users may not know what is in their e-cigarette or e-liquid solutions. Many of the products and substances can be modified by suppliers or users. They can be obtained from stores, online retailers, from informal sources (e.g. friends, family members), or “off the street.”
What CDC recommends
- More information is needed to know whether one or more e-cigarette or vaping products, substances, or brands is responsible for the outbreak.
- While this investigation is ongoing, CDC recommends that you consider refraining from using e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly those containing THC.
- If you are an adult who used e-cigarettes containing nicotine to quit cigarette smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes.
- If you have recently used an e-cigarette or vaping product and you have symptoms like those reported in this outbreak, see a healthcare provider.
- Regardless of the ongoing investigation:
(Continue . . . )
- Anyone who uses e-cigarette, or vaping, products should not buy these products (e.g., e-cigarette or vaping products with THC or CBD oils) from informal sources (e.g. friends, family members) or “off the street,” and should not modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
- Youth and young adults should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
- Women who are pregnant should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
- Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
- THC use has been associated with a wide range of health effects, particularly with prolonged heavy use. The best way to avoid potentially harmful effects is to not use THC, including through e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Persons with marijuana use disorder should seek evidence-based treatment by a health care provider.
