First Vaping-Related Death Recorded In Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Alabama had been one of the states thus far that has not been affected by deaths due to electronic cigarettes — or, vaping — until now. An East Alabama man died this week in what the Alabama Department of Health is saying was a vaping-related illness.

The man's name and age have not been released.

The Centers for Disease Control continues to investigate a nationwide string of deaths and injuries associated with vaping. As of Monday, 805 cases of injuries were reported in 46 states and 1 territory.

The state health department issued a statement saying that all consumers consider refraining from the use of e-cigarettes and vape products until national and state investigations into vaping-related deaths and illnesses are complete. Two-thirds of the cases being investigated by the CDC involve patients who are 18 – 34 years old.

According to the ADPH, as of October 1, there were 19 Alabama residents under investigation. Of the 19 reports, 4 cases have been identified and 9 other reports are still under investigation in Alabama; 3 have been identified as probable cases; 1 confirmed case (the deceased), of lung disease associated with vaping.

Last week, a Birmingham law firm announced it was taking action against one of the largest e-cigarette distributors, JUUL Labs.