The Center for Disease Control reports, as of October 8, 2019, there have been 1,299 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarettes, vaping, and related products that have been reported to the CDC from 49 states, the District of Columbia, and 1 U.S. territory. There have been twenty-six deaths that have been confirmed in 21 states. All affected patients have a reported history of using e-cigarettes, vaping, and using related products.
While there is no known cause of the lung injuries in these cases, the commonality among all affected are the use of e-cigarettes, vaping, and related products.
Affected patients report a history of using THC 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.
The CDC recommends:
• Refrain from using e-cigarette products that contain nicotine.
• Refrain from using e-cigarettes, vaping, or using products that contain THC.
• Do not modify or add any substances to e-cigarettes, vaping, or adding or modifying products that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments.
• E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, and adults who do not currently use tobacco products.
• If you are attempting to quit, you should use evidence-based treatments. If you need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contact your doctor.