Vaping Dangers
What We Know
As of October 15, 2019, 1,479 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.
Thirty-three deaths have been confirmed in 24 states.
All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
THC is present in most of the samples tested by FDA to date, and most patients report a history of using THC-containing products.
The latest national and state findings suggest products containing THC, particularly those obtained off the street or from other informal sources (e.g. friends, family members, illicit dealers), are linked to most of the cases and play a major role in the outbreak. As such, the CDC recommends that you should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products that contain THC. Since the specific causes or causes of lung injury are not yet known, the only way to assure that you are not at risk while the investigation continues is to consider refraining from use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products. The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, products is unsafe for all ages, including youth and young adults. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s.
What We Don’t Know
At this time, FDA and CDC have not identified the cause or causes of the lung injuries in these cases, and the only commonality among all cases is that patients report the use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products. No one compound or ingredient has emerged as the cause of these illnesses to date; and it may be that there is more than one cause of this outbreak. Many different substances and product sources are still under investigation. The specific chemical exposure(s) causing lung injuries associated with e-cigarette product use, or vaping, remains unknown at this time
What CDC Recommends - people should not:
Use e-cigarette, or vaping, products that contain THC.
Modify or add any substances to e-cigarettes or vaping products that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments.
Since the specific cause or causes of lung injury are not yet known, the only way to assure that people are not at risk while the investigation continues is to consider refraining from use of all e-cigarette and vaping products. There is no safe tobacco product. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, carry a risk.
If you are an adult using e-cigarettes, or vaping, products, to quit smoking, do not return to smoking cigarettes. Adults addicted to nicotine using e-cigarettes should weigh all risks and benefits, and consider utilizing FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies.
If you are using an e-cigarette, or vaping product carefully monitor yourself for symptoms and see a healthcare provider immediately if you develop symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.
E-cigarette, or vaping products should never be used by youths or women who are pregnant.
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. There is no safe tobacco product. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, carry a risk.
CDC will continue to update guidance, as appropriate, as new data emerges from this complex outbreak.
Key Facts about E-Cigarette Use, or Vaping
Electronic cigarettes — or e-cigarettes — are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs - thus commonly called vaping.
The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the “high”.
If you need help to quit smoking or vaping, please go to:
Greene and Miami County Smoking Cessation Resources
Clark County Smoking Cessation Resource
Beth Ewing, RN, BSN, MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC
LSIM Parish Nurse