Lung illnesses due to vaping are now an epidemic across the United States. The first death was reported in August, and doctors stated that the illness is linked to vaping. As of September, 450 reported cases of lung injury, and there are a total of six deaths. These reports came from at least 33 states that have been affected by black market vaping liquids and cartridges.
Dana Meaney-Delman, the spokesperson for CDC, suggested that people should stop smoking e-cigarettes in the meantime. Experts reported that there is a chemical agent added in vaping liquids that caused the injuries and deaths across the country. Hundreds of people have been infected, and six deaths have been reported. Officials stated that the death toll is expected to rise.
State officials are quick to take action after this epidemic broke out, as Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banned all flavored e-cigar liquids in the state. David Christiani from Harvard School of Public Health added that even though more investigation is needed to know the vaping agent responsible for the widespread lung injuries, it is an epidemic that needs urgent response.
So far, there has been no consistency between the substances that have caused lung illnesses. The New York Department of Health reported that the key focus of their investigation is a Vitamin E acetate that may have been illegally added to vape liquids. Daniel Fox of WakeMed Health and Hospitals warned the public about purchasing cartridges in unlicensed places like the streets because the substances of those cartridges are not stated and are unclear.
Ted Kwong, the spokesman of Juul, said that the reports of illnesses are connected to the black market THC vapes and that their company does not sell those kinds of products.
Officials want to make sure that all illegal counterfeit products which may be made with ingredients that are unknown with unknown standards are confiscated while and those that sell them should face the consequences.
E-cigarettes are a huge hit in America since 2009. With different flavors of liquids and different kinds of e-cigars that were invented to maximize the vaping experience, it was difficult not to get hooked. Vaping is also known as a substitute for traditional cigarettes, and every year, more and more people switch to the new habit. With this ongoing epidemic, it is best to be safe and to buy liquids on authorized retail stores only. This is to make sure that everything that you puff is at least legal.
