Vaping-related lung injury cases in the U.S. just surged to over 1,000 and the stories coming out of emergency rooms are horrifying.
The lungs of injured e-cigarette smokers, most of the teens and young people, resemble the lungs of chemical warfare victims, and doctors are FINALLY speaking out about the crisis.
Just recently, the CDC released some pretty compelling data on the topic of vaping.
- There have been 1,080 cases of vaping-related lung injuries since March of 2019 – up 74 percent from 2018.
- There have been at least 19 deaths in 2019 with dozens more with irreparably damaged lungs.
- Of those who became ill, 75 percent were male and 25 percent were female.
- Two thirds were between the ages of 18 and 34.
Worse, experts still haven’t pinpointed what exactly is causing the symptoms. No one really knows whether it is THC products, nicotine, synthetic cannabinoids, CBD, and/or flavored e-liquids that are used in addition to other products.
Vaping story #1
In October 2019, two Minnesotans died from complications stemming from severe lung injuries associated with vaping, according to the Minnesota Health Department.
The first patient vaped a number of products including illegal THC, while the second patient had severe underlying conditions and is believed to have vaped unknown products in addition to nicotine, according to the MHD.
The culprit in these two cases was THC, which is the compound that gives marijuana its high. Investigators remained focused on illegal products as a primary concern, and health officials said they cannot guarantee the safety of any vaping products.
Even Gov. Tim Walz said he was alarmed and directed state officials to focus on preventing vaping in schools and among young people. Read more of the article, here.
Vaping story #2
In August 2019, four Minnesota teens reported vaping injuries to their lungs.
Children’s Minnesota reported finding four cases in September of severe lung injury in the metro area related to vaping. These cases are similar to lung disease cases recently reported in Wisconsin and Illinois.
Dr. Ruth Lynfield, state epidemiologist and Minnesota Department of Health medical director said “There are still many unanswered questions, but the health harms emerging from the current epidemic of youth vaping in Minnesota continue to increase. We are deeply concerned by the severe cases of lung injury associated with vaping that we are currently seeing.”
Symptoms that teens and other adults are struggling with are shortness of breath, fever, cough, vomiting and diarrhea. Also reported were headaches, dizziness, and chest pains.
All incredibly sad stories that might have been prevented.
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