Washington Bans Vaping Products Containing Vitamin E Acetate

OLYMPIA, WA — The state Board of Health expanded an emergency rule on vapor products Monday, banning the sale of all products containing vitamin E acetate. According to a recent report from the CDC, the chemical was found in all 29 lung samples collected patients in 10 states.

"We are deeply concerned by a new study finding vitamin E acetate at the primary site of injury in patients' lungs," said Washington Secretary of Health John Wiesman. "While we still need more research to identify a definitive cause, the evidence we have linking vitamin E acetate to the outbreak demands immediate action to protect the public's health."

According to the board of health, vitamin E acetate is sometimes used as a thickening agent in vaping liquids.

State health officials said multiple factors could be responsible for a nationwide outbreak of vaping-linked lung disease cases. No ingredient or ingredients have been positively identified in all patients. Monday's rule builds on a statewide emergency ban on flavored vaping products, which went into effect in October.

The temporary ban on vitamin E acetate will remain in effect for 120 days. The original rules expire on Febrary 7, 2020. State lawmakers are expected to consider permanent rules when the next legislative session begins in January.

According to Department of Health numbers updated Friday, Washington has 15 severe lung injuries linked to vaping, with a new King County case confirmed last week.

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