ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES & VAPING

According to the CDC, "E-cigarettes are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “vapes,” “e-hookahs,” “vape pens,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).” Some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items." Click here to read more general information about vaping and electronic cigarettes.

KEY FACTS 

  • Electronic cigarettes – or e-cigarettes — are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
  • Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping.
  • E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
  • The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives.
  • There is an ongoing investigation of a multi-state outbreak of lung injury associated with electronic cigarette products.

OUTBREAK OF LUNG INJURY

CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), state and local health departments, and other clinical and public health partners are investigating a multi-state outbreak of lung injury associated with e-cigarette product (devices, liquids, refill pods, and/or cartridges) use. Below is information released by CDC about what is known in ongoing case investigation. You can find more information about the outbreak here.
  • There have been 805* cases of lung injury reported from 46 states and 1 U.S. territory. Twelve deaths have been confirmed in 10 states.
  • CDC has received complete sex and age data on 373 cases.
    • Nearly three fourths (72%) of cases are male
    • Two thirds (67%) of cases are 18 to 34 years old
    • 16% of cases are under 18 years
    • 38% of cases are in people under 21 years
    • 17% are 35 years or older
  • All reported cases have a history of e-cigarette product use or vaping.
  • Based on initial data from certain states we know: Most patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette products containing THC. Many patients have reported using THC and nicotine. Some have reported the use of e-cigarette products containing only nicotine.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM VAPING INJURY

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local public health partners to investigate recent reports of respiratory illnesses, including some resulting in deaths, following the use of vaping products. The FDA has released a Consumer Update which urges consumers to avoid vaping product that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC, a psychoactive component of the marijuana plant) and/or Vitamin E acetate. Further, the FDA urges consumers to avoid buying vaping products on the street, to refrain from using THC oil or modifying/adding substances to products purchased in stores. Additionally, no youth should be using any vaping product, regardless of the substance. 

VAPING ILLNESS IN WASHINGTON

The Washington State Department of Health (WDOH) is closely monitoring an ongoing investigation headed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration regarding an outbreak of severe lung illness associated with using vaping products. A News Release was posted on September 11, 2019 outlining the first cases in the state.  WDOH urges consumers who continue to use vaping devices "to monitor yourself for symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) and promptly seek medical attention if you have concerns about your health. You should never buy vaping products with THC or other cannabinoids off the street, and you should not modify or add any substances to these products not intended by the manufacturer." View the cases of sever lung illness linked to use of vaping products in Washington State here
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