Vaping & Lung Illnesses: FDA Warns Consumers About the Health Risks of THC-Containing Vaping Products Family Health
Vaping has been all over the news lately. Currently, 1,299 illnesses and 26 deaths have been attributed to vaping (as of October 17, 2019). Vaping has gained popularity and the number of vapers has reportedly increased from about seven million in 2011 to 41 million in 2018, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Terms used to describe vaping products include:
- vapes
- vaporizers
- vape pens
- hookah pens
- e-cigarettes
- e-pipes
Because of the high number of lung illnesses attributed to vaping, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a consumer update, Vaping Illnesses: Consumers Can Help Protect Themselves by Avoiding Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-Containing Vaping Products, to educate people about the health risks of vaping. According to the report, there are cases where patients reported breathing difficulties, fever, fatigue to more severe chest pain, before hospitalization. Some cases reported mild to moderate gastrointestinal illness including vomiting and diarrhea.
While there is no one substance that has been identified in all of the samples tested by the FDA, the common ingredients identified were tetrahydrocannabinol (THC, a psychoactive component of the marijuana plant) and vitamin E acetate. According to the FDA report, "At least one of the associated deaths that has been publicly disclosed appears to have been related to illicit THC vaping products. In many cases of illness reported by the states, patients have acknowledged recent use of THC-containing vaping products while speaking to healthcare personnel, or in follow-up interviews by health department staff."
The FDA released the consumer update to urge consumers to avoid buying vaping products on the street, and to refrain from using THC oil or modifying/adding any substances to products purchased in stores. Additionally, no youth should be using any vaping product, regardless of the substance. For those who use THC-containing vaping products, you should monitor for symptoms – cough, shortness of breath, chest pain – and promptly seek medical attention if you have concerns about your health.
With vaping products popular among teens and its association with lung illnesses, more awareness needs to be raised on the health risks of vaping.
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