CDC: Most U.S. Vaping Illnesses Linked To 'Informal Sources'

In a new report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found nearly 80 percent of people across the nation who have been hospitalized for lung injuries related to e-cigarettes or vaping had obtained marijuana products through sources such as family or friends, or online or on the street.

According to the CDC study, 82 percent of patients nationwide who were hospitalized with vaping-related illnesses reported using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarettes, and 78 percent reported acquiring the products from informal sources. Only 16 percent of patients reported purchasing products from commercial sources, including recreational or medical dispensaries, and vape or smoke shops.

The study also found patients between the ages of 13-17 were more likely to acquire both THC- and nicotine-containing products from informal sources.

The CDC has linked most illnesses to vitamin E acetate, an additive in some THC-containing vaping products. However, health officials are continuing to investigate other substances and product sources for a possible link to vaping-related illnesses.

The most recent numbers available from the state Department of Health show 23 vaping-linked illnesses in Washington state.

In our state, where products containing marijuana are legal to purchase for those over 21, the percentage of "informal" THC purchases identified by the CDC was much lower: between 5 and 14 percent.

This week, Gov. Jay Inslee asked lawmakers in Olympia to pass several new restrictions related to the sale of vapor products in Washington.

On Jan. 7, the CDC reported 57 deaths caused by vaping-related illnesses in 27 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,600 hospitalizations have been reported nationwide. The outbreak of vaping-related illnesses arrived in June 2019 and hit its peak in September before reported cases started to decline.

To avoid potential illness, CDC officials recommend vape users not use THC-containing vaping products, particularly from informal sources like friends, family, or in-person or online sellers.

While the best course of action is to quit vaping altogether, officials said, users should carefully monitor themselves for symptoms and see a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.

Symptoms of vaping-related illnesses include:

• Respiratory symptoms, including cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhea.
• Nonspecific constitutional symptoms, like fever, chills or weight loss.
• Some patients have reported that their symptoms developed over a few days, while others have reported that their symptoms developed over several weeks.
• A lung infection does not appear to be causing the symptoms.

If you have questions about lung injuries associated with use of e-cigarette or vaping products, contact the CDC at CDC-INFO or call 800-232-4636.