Cases of lung diseases related to electronic cigarette use have risen to 530 in the United States, while eight deaths have been confirmed. The most recent victim died in September. According to information released by the New York Times, a 40-year-old man was admitted to hospital in August with breathing problems and was confirmed dead about a month later. He started using the product in May to treat chronic pain.

Undiscovered Cause

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is still looking for answers to the possible causes of the problem, as patients are unsure which substances they have consumed through a cigarette-simulating device. What is known is that many used THC, the main active component of cannabis, and nicotine. In addition, experts could not identify the evolution of the disease so far.

"Since the lungs are damaged by vaper, we do not know how quickly the situation can get worse and whether it depends on any risk factors, " explains Dr. Michael Plisco, an American pulmonologist who specializes in critical cases.

Despite the uncertainty, biopsies pointed to the presence of oils in the lungs of fatal victims. Some types of oils can cause acute inflammation of the respiratory system, even in small amounts. Regarding the age and gender of the victims, it was found that 3/4 quarters are men, 2/3 of them are between 18 and 34 years old. In addition, more than half of the cases are under 25 years old.

Prohibition

In early September The US government convened an emergency meeting to address the issue. President Donald Trump said he intends to ban the sale of some of the flavored essences in an attempt to stem the health crisis.

Serious Cases Related to Electronic Cigarette Grow in US via TecMundo