CDC Warns About Vaping-Related Injuries, And We’re Listening

You know it’s down to business when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) get all involved about warning the public of danger. But, that’s just what they did late last week, as it was announced that the number of confirmed vaping-related illnesses is now at 805. The quick-growing epidemic has already affected 46 states and one U.S. territory, and the CDC predicts that number is only going to grow more steadily unless something changes. Considering that the CDC also confirms that 12 deaths in 10 states have occurred due to lung-injuries, and vaping-related illnesses and deaths have nearly doubled in the last two weeks alone? Pretty sure we all know what needs to change.

Mysterious Lung Illnesses On The Rise: Vaping-Related Injuries?

As of 9/24, 805 confirmed & probable patient cases of lung injury associated w/ e-cigarette product use, or vaping were reported by 46 states & one territory. 12 deaths were confirmed. Latest findings from the ongoing investigation. https://t.co/Pz8b5HoeMv pic.twitter.com/F6wGnyh3oS

— CDC (@CDCgov) September 26, 2019

So, no. The CDC’s investigation of the scary outbreak of lung injury illness and deaths that seem to have popped up out of nowhere hasn’t pinpointed a specific cause, the agency does quickly and resoundingly recognize a common thread. In an updated on the situation posted to its website, the CDC said that all reported cases of lung-illness or death they’ve investigated do have a history of e-cigarette product usage and vaping.

What exactly Is Vaping?

The thing is, though…do we really know what vaping is? Ask a dozen people and you’ll get a dozen-and-a-half different answers. The dictionary answer essentially is vapor that comes from a battery-operated electronic device. But, there is no designation between nicotine or cannabis use in the electronic device. While the big focus is now on nicotine vaping products, and with good reason, the CDC says that THC from cannabis has been found in a number of their investigated cases. Additionally many of the investigated patients report vaping products that include nicotine and THC.

When you smoke an average cigarette, you inhale about 1mg of nicotine. One teaspoon of 12 mg e-liquid nicotine for vaping, however, is more or less the equivalent of 60 traditional cigarettes. Throw a little THC in that mix and yeah. We can see why it may pose such a problem to today’s teens (and adults).

Wowzers. And we wonder why we’re discussing vaping-related injuries.

Not Pointing Fingers…Yet

Though the CDC did release the warning, it is clear to say that it does not yet know specifically why the outbreak of lung injuries has occurred. They went further to state that no vape product or e-cigarette had been linked to all the cases. While all the patients did have reported history of using e-cigarettes, they still aren’t ready to call the injuries and deaths vaping’s fault.

But parents and families sure are.

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2071434439829604&id=100008892038523

Just recently, a mom’s post went viral as she shared what vaping did to her daughter. The clinicians who treated her all concurred–she nearly died from lung disease caused specifically by her vaping. Now, Piper Johnson uses her second chance at life to warn teens and adults everywhere about the dangers.

And they’re not alone. More parents are sharing their concern over this potentially deadly habit, and how it’s scarier than any regular cigarette usage ever was to them. With good reason, that even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is noting. They too recently revised policy on flavored e-cigarettes, as so many children, tweens and teens were becoming users. The policy doesn’t clear the market of the flavored nicotine, but does require companies to submit scientific evidence that proved their products were appropriate for the public’s health.

Public Opinion Makes Changes

As is often the case in the world, the court of public opinion seems to be speaking, though. Mega retailer Walmart announced it would stop selling e-cigarettes in stores and Sam’s Clubs.

Additionally, several states are also looking into legislation that either bans or makes difficult the sale of flavored e-cigarettes.

In the meantime, the CDC wants anyone with a history of using e-cigarettes or vaping products to contact their health provider immediately if they experience shortness of breath, chest pains, coughing, vomiting, fever, fatigue or gastrointestinal distress.

Oh, and contact the CDC as they’re racking up quite the number of cases, sadly.