A new pandemic is sweeping the nation, and its targeting one certain group. Vapers. According to Salon, an online newspaper, there have been 450 cases around the nation in 33 states since June including the Virgin Islands. In the past there have also been seven cases of lung infections in previous years (NYT). All patients reportedly used e cigarette products, but experts are unable to pin down what ingredient or device is causing these sicknesses (Vox). In all cases e cigarettes were in use, and according to salon 80% of patients used products containing THC, 61% contain nicotine, and 7% contain CBD. Also, a lot of cases report using one or the other and not both. According to the New York times, in these e cigarettes nicotine and THC is mixed with solvents that should dissolve with the vapor, but it is very possible that some of the oil could be being left behind to be inhaled which will cause serious inflammation.
Experts know that these cases are related because they hold similar symptoms. According to Vox, symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty breathing in most cases. Some cases have also reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. And in severe cases patients are relying on oxygen support, or a ventilator to survive. As of August 23rd,the first death has been linked to this vaping pandemic, an Illinois woman in her 30’s. Most cases have been people in their late teens, early twenties. (Vox)
Various experts have various theories as to why so many people are ending up in the ICU. According to the New York Times, the CDC issued a statement that warns people of purchasing “bootleg” or street cannabis and e cig products. The belief that these sicknesses could be cause by black market products is a common one. On lung scans it is reported that they look like they have viral or bacterial pneumonia but further testing shows no infection.
Experts do know the effects of nicotine after long term use, but have no clue what it will look like with vaping in the mix. There has been a lot of research that concludes that nicotine can induce seizures, raise blood pressure, speed up heartrate, and cause arteries to narrow. And after doing some tests on rats and human airway cells experts have concluded that vaping does seem to trigger COPD. (VOX) Little is known about the long-term effects of vaping, especially on this new generation already addicted to nicotine. But experts are stressing that the use of vaping should not be used by adolescences and only by people who are trying to quit smoking and are using vaping to wean themselves off.
Kiki, I found this information very informative and structured really well. One thing that I noticed that you could take a look at is in your first paragraph you say “cases”. As a reader is there a way to talk about what is happening to these people? Are they being hospitalized, complications, death? I think for me I just needed more clarity in that first paragraph, otherwise the information was very objective and informed me on what was going on.
Another thing that caught my attention is how do experts “know” that these are linked or are they assuming? Also who are these “experts”?
I think you have a solid case, I also believe in what the article is talking about but is there a way to become more objective in connecting why vaping and juuling is to blame for these cases?
Overall, great article and definitely a very important topic that needs to be further looked at and discussed. Can’t wait to read the final draft.