Like to vape? Dabble in dabbing? Be careful: The number of vaping-related illnesses among teens and young adults is on the rise.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced this week that 153 possible cases of severe lung illness linked to vaping were reported across 16 states in the past two months. Many cases involved the use of products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical found in cannabis.
The cases were reported in: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. Similar cases have also been reported in three additional states – Ohio, Virginia and Tennessee, according to NBC News. Wisconsin has seen at least 15 cases, including vaping-related lung illnesses among older people.
People reported breathing difficulty, shortness of breath and/or chest pain before hospitalization, the CDC said. Some reported gastrointestinal illness including vomiting and diarrhea, as well as fatigue.
The Food and Drug Administration has joined investigation efforts and is providing technical and laboratory assistance to help identify any products or substances used.
No vaping-related deaths have been reported, the CDC said.
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Although the CDC has not identified a cause of the lung illnesses, it's unlikely that an infectious disease is to blame. All reported cases have involved the use of e-cigarettes.
Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, a pro-vaping organization, said THC may be playing a key role.
"Several health departments are now linking street vapes containing THC or synthetic drugs to these illnesses, and we remain confident that this is the case across the country," Conley said.
He commended the ongoing health investigations, adding that "nicotine vaping products remain a far safer alternative to smoking."
