For the sake of confidentiality, we don’t know very much about the man who passed away as a result of lung disease and injuries associated with vaping. We know he wan an adult male who died in Michigan. This, unfortunately, raises the death toll from vaping-related complications past the CDC’s latest report of 47.
Is Vaping-Related Illness Widespread In Michigan?
Well, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed 56 lung injury cases in Michigan that are most likely due to vaping. So far, all cases have occurred in the lower peninsula and many of these people have been hospitalized for severe respiratory illness. Those affected range anywhere from 15 to 67-years-old, so age does not seem to be a factor in susceptibility.
Why Is This Happening?
So far, the CDC has identified the chemical of concern to be Vitamin E acetate. The Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA) recently announced emergency rules to mitigate the damage. This includes requiring licensed facilities to test for Vitamin E acetate. They are also cracking down on compliance to make sure manufacturing standards are being followed by inspecting twice a month processing facilities. Now, it’s important to note that though the CDC has called Vitamin E acetate ‘a very strong culprit’, it is possible other ingredients could either be contributing to lung illness or the causal factor.
What Can Be Done?
Well, until we know more about the cause of this devastating lung illness outbreak, I highly recommend you stop using vaping products or e-cigarettes. But, if you do continue using these products, please seek medical attention immediately if you develop symptoms like shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fever, or vomiting.
