A Lung Damage Epidemic Linked to the Usage of Vaping and E-Cigarette Products
It’s understandable that public health and even everyday citizens are extremely concerned regarding the recent outbreak of lung injury which is thought to be linked to e-cigarettes and vaping products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been diligently monitoring occurrences of e-cigarette or vaping device use-associated lung injury (EVALI) throughout the United States since the first reports emerged in 2019.
According to CDC data, as of February 18, 2020, a total of 2,807 instances of EVALI have been documented throughout all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories. Furthermore, the pandemic has been linked to 68 confirmed deaths in 29 states and the District of Columbia.
CDC data has also shown, the majority of EVALI patients who were surveyed had reported using products that contained THC, which is the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana. Specifically, 82% of patients reported using products that contained THC, while 57% had reported using products that contained nicotine. Of all patients surveyed, only about 16% reported using products containing nicotine alone. These statistics point to a clear connection between EVALI and the use of THC-containing products.
The outbreak of EVALI has prompted officials to take action in an effort to reduce the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products. Many state and local governments have enacted laws and regulations aimed at lowering the use of these products, including taxes on e-cigarettes, raising the minimum age for purchasing tobacco and vaping products to 21, and banning flavored e-cigarettes. The federal government also raised the minimum age for purchasing e-cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 21 in December 2019.
Although e-cigarettes have been marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the growing number of EVALI cases has also raised concerns about the long-term health impacts of these products. In addition to lung injury, e-cigarette use has been associated with other health risks, such as cardiovascular disease, reproductive health issues, and immune system health. Nonetheless, long-term research on the health effects of e-cigarettes is still in its early stages, and their full impact on health is yet to be fully understood. This underscores the need for further research into the safety of e-cigarettes, especially because of the increasing popularity between teenagers and vaping.
Despite concerns about the health risks associated with vaping have been raised, the use of e-cigarettes continues to gain popularity among young people. In a recent survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it was found that over 5 million middle and high school students had reported using e-cigarettes in 2019 alone. The CDC has warned parents about the potential impact of e-cigarette use on the developing brains of young people. The use of nicotine during adolescence and young adulthood can have adverse effects on brain development, including reduced impulse control and attention span. Moreover, the use of e-cigarettes has been linked to an increased risk of addiction to other substances, including traditional cigarettes and other drugs.
As a result, the CDC urges parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to educate young people about the potential risks of e-cigarettes and other vaping products. By providing accurate information about the health risks of these products, we can help to reduce the number of young people who become addicted to nicotine and other harmful substances.
The CDC continues to recommend that people not use e-cigarettes or vaping products that contain THC, especially those obtained from informal sources such as friends, in-person or online dealers, and stores that are not recognized federally. Additionally, the agency advises that people not modify or add substances to an e-cigarette or vaping product that are not intended by the manufacturer. The CDC also recommends that people who use e-cigarettes and experience symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, or weight loss seek medical attention immediately.
In conclusion, the outbreak of e-cigarette and vaping-related lung injuries has brought attention to the need for further research into the long-term health effects of these products. While many questions still remain about the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes, it is clear that they are not without risks. It is essential for public health officials and policymakers to continue to monitor and regulate the use of e-cigarettes and vaping products, particularly among young people. By doing so, we can work to prevent future outbreaks and ensure that the health and well-being of our communities are protected.
