Vaping illnesses top 800, deaths reach 12
The number of lung injuries resulting from e-cigarette use, or vaping, has risen to 805, while the number of reported deaths has climbed to 12, the CDC reported Sept. 26. The injuries have been reported from 46 states and 1 U.S. territory, while the deaths have bene confirmed in 10 states.
The latest numbers show another sharp rise in the cases, which have prompted an investigation with the CDC and several states to find if any specific e-cigarette or vaping product is common. So far, the investigation has yet to make any identifications on specific products, but the CDC has recommended that vaping products and e-cigarettes should not be purchased off the street or tampered with.
The agency also urged youth and young adults––who are most affected by the outbreak of lung disease––not to use the e-cigarettes, as well as women who are pregnant and adults who do not currently use tobacco products.
E-cigarettes, which have been touted as a means for adults to cease traditional smoking, are relatively new products that exist in an unregulated market. While some early signs that the products are harmful to human health may have bene overlooked over the past few years, recent studies have shown negative impacts, including immediate effects on vascular function and damage blood vessels.
In wake of the outbreak of lung injuries, the Trump administration announced it will ban all non-tobacco flavored e-cigarette products, which attract younger consumers and teenagers.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."