Lung Illness Associated With Vaping Growing In GA, Country

GEORGIA — Health officials are warning the public who use e-cigarettes, or vapes, to be cautious of a lung disease that is rapidly being reported across the nation, including several cases in Georgia.

As of Sept. 6, more than 450 possible cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products have been reported to CDC from 33 states and 1 U.S. territory. Five deaths have been confirmed in California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Oregon.

"Although the etiology of e-cigarette-associated pulmonary disease is undetermined, epidemiologic investigations in affected states are ongoing to better characterize the exposures, demographic, clinical, and laboratory features and behaviors of patients," the CDC said in a health advisory Aug. 30. "All patients have reported using e-cigarette products. The exact number is currently unknown, but many patients have reported using e-cigarettes containing cannabinoid products such as THC or CBD."

E-cigarettes typically contain nicotine, most also contain flavorings and other chemicals, and some may contain marijuana or other substances, the CDC said. They are known by many names and come in many shapes, sizes and device types. Devices may be referred to as “e-cigs,” “vapes,” “e-hookahs,” “vape pens,” “mods,” tanks, or electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Some e-cigarette devices resemble other tobacco products such as cigarettes; some resemble ordinary household items such as USB flash drives, pens, and flashlights; and others have unique shapes. Use of e-cigarettes is sometimes referred to as “vaping” or “juuling.” E-cigarettes used for dabbing are sometimes called “dab” pens.

"Youth, young adults, pregnant women, as well as adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not use e-cigarettes," the CDC said. "E-cigarettes containing nicotine have the potential to help some individual adult smokers reduce their use of and transition away from cigarettes. However, e-cigarettes are not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a quit smoking aid, and the available science is inconclusive on whether e-cigarettes are effective for quitting smoking."

Based on reports from several states, the CDC said patients have experienced respiratory symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, and some have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or non-specific constitutional symptoms such as fatigue, fever, or weight loss. Symptoms typically develop over a period of days but sometimes can manifest over several weeks. Gastrointestinal symptoms sometimes preceded respiratory symptoms. Fever, tachycardia, and elevated white blood cell count have been reported in the absence of an identifiable infectious disease. Many patients have sought initial care in ambulatory settings, some with several visits, before hospital admission, the CDC said.

All patients reported using e-cigarette products and the symptom onset has ranged from a few days to several weeks after e-cigarette use, the CDC said. Within two states, recent inhalation of cannabinoid products, THC or cannabidiol, have been reported in many of the patients. As of Aug. 30, no single substance or e-cigarette product has been consistently associated with illness. The CDC said it is working closely with state health departments to facilitate collecting product specimens for testing at the U.S. FDA Forensic Chemistry Center.

No evidence of infectious diseases has been identified; therefore lung illnesses are likely associated with a chemical exposure. The investigation has not identified any specific substance or e-cigarette product that is linked to all cases.

CDC recommendations for the public

1. While this investigation is ongoing, if you are concerned about these specific health risks, consider refraining from using e-cigarette products.
2. Regardless of the ongoing investigation, anyone who uses e-cigarette products should not buy these products off the street (e.g., e-cigarette products with THC, other cannabinoids) and should not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer.
3. Regardless of the ongoing investigation, e-cigarette products should not be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, as well as adults who do not currently use tobacco products. If you use e-cigarette products, monitor yourself for symptoms (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) and promptly seek medical attention if you have concerns about your health. CDC and FDA will continue to advise and alert the public as more information becomes available.
4. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit should use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved medications. If you who need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, contact your doctor.
5. If you are concerned about harmful effects from e-cigarette products, call your local poison control center at: 1-800-222-1222.
6. The CDC encourages the public to submit detailed reports of any unexpected tobacco or e-cigarette-related health or product issues to the FDA via the online Safety Reporting Portal.

See related:

• Cherokee Schools Approve Anti-Vaping Policy
• Johns Creek Limits Space For Vape Products In Stores
• Forsyth Parks, Recreation Facilities Now Tobacco, Vape Free
• Anti-Vaping Law In Fulton County Modeled After Milton Proposal
• Atlanta City Council Bans Smoking, Vaping In Public Places
• 2 Charged In Selling Illegal Vape Oil At Woodstock Store
• Cherokee Agencies Bust 16 Stores Selling Vape Products To Minors
• Roswell Wants Stores To Require ID To Buy E-Cigarettes