6 Ohioans Severely Sick, May Be Linked To Vaping

COLUMBUS, OH — Six Ohioans may have experienced severe pulmonary illness after using e-cigarettes or vaping, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) announced. Similar illnesses are being investigated in at least 16 states, with the ailment affecting mostly adolescents and young adults.

“We are seeing a tremendous increase in vaping among our youth, which is a public health crisis,” said ODH Director Dr. Amy Acton. “There is a perception that vaping is safe, and these reports of serious pulmonary illness linked to e-cigarette or vaping product use show that this is simply not true.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned healthcare providers about pulmonary illnesses (lung-based illnesses) that appear to be linked to vaping. Ohio's investigation into the six possible cases has just begun, the ODH said.

Doctors throughout Ohio have been asked to alert officials to suspected cases of serious pulmonary illness where the cause of the sickness is unclear and the patient has a history of vaping.

The CDC said symptoms of this mysterious pulmonary illness have included coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. In some cases, symptoms have gotten worse over time and patients have experienced fever, diarrhea, chest pain, weight loss and nausea. Between June 28 and August 20, there have been 149 possible, nationwide cases of severe lung illnesses linked to vaping. No deaths have yet been reported.

“Anyone who thinks that they may be experiencing serious breathing problems linked to vaping should seek immediate medical attention,” said Dr. Acton.

E-cigarette users can breathe in potentially harmful and cancer-causing chemicals like nickel, tin, lead, diacetyl, and other volatile compounds, the Ohio Department of Health warned. CDC investigators have not identified any specific product or compound linking all suspected pulmonary illnesses.

In July 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine raised the age for purchasing tobacco to 21. In Ohio, about 19.5 percent of high schoolers said they used tobacco, including e-cigarettes.