A new pandemic is sweeping the nation, and its targeting one certain group. Vapers.
CNN reports that there are six dead and 450 sick with mysterious cases of lung illnesses across 33 states associated with vaping since June. Doctors are still unsure of the causes of these illnesses (CNN). New York Times Sheila Kaplan reports that in the past few years there have also been seven similar cases of lung infections (NYT).
All patients reportedly used e-cigarette products, but Vox’sJulia Belluz reports that 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. In many cases, there are reports of patients using one or the other e-cigarette products and not both (Salon). According to the New York Times, nicotine and THC are 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 (New York Times).
Vox’s Belluz reports that doctors and experts from the CDC know that these cases are related because they hold similar symptoms. In most cases, symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Some cases have also reported nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. In severe cases, patients are relying on oxygen support, or a ventilator to survive (Vox).
As of August 23rd, the first death has been linked to this vaping pandemic, an Illinois woman in her 30’s. CNN reports that the most recent death linked to vaping occurred on September 10th to a woman over the age of 50. This woman had a history of health problems that worsened when she began using e-cigarettes (CNN). Most cases have been people in their late teens, early twenties Vox reported (Vox). The New York Times reports that lung scans are reported to look like they have viral or bacterial pneumonia but further testing shows no infection. These inconclusive tests are further confusing doctors and experts (NYT).
According to the New York Times, the CDC issued a statement that warns people of purchasing “bootleg” or street cannabis and e-cig products. 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 (NYT).
Voxreports that experts do know the effects of nicotine after long term use, however, 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 heart rate, and cause arteries to narrow. After doing 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.
The Los Angeles Times reports that President Trump’s administration plans to ban vaping products with a fruity flavor that may attract today’s youth to try vaping. In many states, like California, there are plans to take immediate action against vaping. Plans like passing new legislation, marketing campaigns, and increasing fines to anyone selling tobacco products for those under the age of 21(LA Times).
https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/10/health/vaping-outbreak-2019-explainer/index.html
https://www.vox.com/science-and-health/2019/9/3/20847219/vaping-health-risks-2019-lung-damage-death