Over 2,400 Confirmed Cases of Vaping Illnesses

Vaping illnesses

USA – Axios.com writes that at least 2,409 people have been admitted to the hospital for EVALI, a vaping-related lung condition that, in extreme cases, can be fatal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking reports of EVALI across the country.

Studies indicate that the most severe cases of EVALI appear in individuals who used black-market pods that contain THC. The THC containing pods had vitamin E acetate in them, which is believed to be connected to the lung condition.

Young men are the most likely to be impacted by EVALI. About 78 percent of victims are under 35 years old, and about two out of three are men.

The companies that manufacture vaping products are coming under fire for their marketing practices. States are now suing Juul, the largest seller of e-cigarettes, for promoting their products to young people, including teens. Schools are struggling to combat what they refer to as a vaping epidemic. The Food and Drug Administration is also looking into the marketing and advertising of vape products.

While Juul brand products have not yet been connected to cases of EVALI, Juul dominates the vaping market and is the target of much of the criticism of e-cigarettes.

Opponents of vaping companies often complain about fruit-flavored products, which are appealing to young people. Juul voluntarily discontinued the fruit-flavored pods, but researchers found that the mint pods are rising in popularity. The Trump administration plans to ban fruit-flavored vape pods, but the result may just be increased use of mint pods.

Vape pods are so addictive that teens who use the product often become habitual and frequent users.