Image Source: Lindsay Fox
According to the CDC, more than 800 cases of vape related lung illness have been recorded. As of October 2, there have been 16 nationwide deaths. Healthy people have reported to suddenly fall ill with shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, vomiting, or fever.
Concern surrounding vaping has grown over the years as its popularity increases among teens. Juul, whose CEO resigned in the midst of the vaping crisis, has been scrutinized by the FDA for allegedly targeting young consumers.
Vaping was introduced to the market as a safer alternative to smoking. However, due to the infancy of the product, little is known about its effect on the body. Ingredients of e-cigarette and THC cartridges change during the vaping process as they heat up. The heating and inhalation of certain ingredients has been found to be harmful.
While the CDC says “no single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases”, vitamin E acetate in THC oils seems to be a common culprit. The CDC reports that 77 percent of the substances used in the cases were THC products. While commonly used in cosmetics, it is incredibly harmful to inhale. According to Leafly, vitamin E acetate has been popularly used as a thickening agent in the illegal cannabis market.
New York, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts have issues bans on vapes in response. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced a four month vaping ban which was met with mixed reactions. Many argue that this will only fuel black market vapes which play a significant role in the illnesses. The ban has even prompted vape shop owners to sue the state of Massachusetts.