Vaping FAQs

what to know about vaping deaths

by Virgil Johnson Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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  • As illnesses and deaths linked to vaping continue to rise, health officials urge people to stop using e-cigarettes.
  • Officials report 26 deaths have been linked to lung illnesses related to vaping.
  • The CDC has announced that the majority of illnesses are linked to products containing THC.

However, there has been an outbreak of lung injuries and deaths associated with vaping. In February 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 2,807 cases of e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI) and 68 deaths attributed to that condition.

Full Answer

How many deaths have been caused by vaping?

This is an archived page. An updated vaping illness tracker with data from 2020 is now available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state agencies have reported 2,506 lung injury cases that required hospitalization and 54 deaths linked to vaping.

How many vaping related deaths have there been?

Update April 03, 2020: New information on vaping-induced lung injury from Harvard Medical School shared an update most recently that hospitalizations were found across all 50 states, reporting as many as 2,800 cases and 68 deaths.

What is causing vaping deaths?

The commission stressed that 18650 lithium-ion battery cells used in vape devices when bought without protection circuits pose a possible fire risk, causing grave injury or even death.

Who died from vaping?

The first death from lung illness linked to vaping in the United States was reported in Illinois in August. The person who died was an adult. Oregon saw the second death in the nationwide outbreak, then Minnesota and Indiana. The fifth death, reported Friday, was in California .

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Has vaping caused any deaths?

As of January 2022, the state of California has reported at least 40 cases on their update page, that were diagnosed after February 2020....2019–2020 vaping lung illness outbreakConfirmed cases2,711Deaths616 more rows

What are 5 risks of vaping?

Vaping has been linked to lung injury.Rapid onset of coughing.Breathing difficulties.Weight loss.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.

How long do you have to vape to cause damage?

Exposure for just three days was enough to incur sufficient damage to their lungs, setting the stage for long-term chronic lung damage. This damage occurred both with e-cigarettes containing nicotine, and those with just the propylene glycol carrier fluid.

What are 10 risks of vaping?

Serious & Potentially Long-Term Effects of VapingNicotine addiction.Severe lung injury.Seizures.Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), formerly known as idiopathic bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP)Popcorn lung.Strokes.Heart attacks.

Is vape worse than cigarettes?

1: Vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's still not safe. E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic.

How do lungs heal from vaping?

However, there are certain lifestyle behaviors you can practice to try and accelerate the rate at which your lungs heal.Drink Lots Of Water. ... Eat Healthy Foods. ... Exercise Regularly. ... Cough. ... Clean Your Living Space. ... Practice Deep Breathing. ... Try Steam Therapy.

How long after vaping do lungs heal?

After two weeks: your circulation and lung function begin to improve. After one to nine months: clear and deeper breathing gradually returns; you have less coughing and shortness of breath; you regain the ability to cough productively instead of hacking, which cleans your lungs and reduce your risk of infection.

Can your lungs heal if you stop vaping?

Enhanced Lung Capacity Within the first 1 to 9 months after quitting vaping, the lung's capacity to clear out mucus and fight off infections significantly increases. This event is even more noticeable than the early signs of increased lung capacity most people will feel shortly after they quit vaping.

Can vaping collapse your lungs?

On their own, these blisters don't typically produce symptoms. You don't know you have them, unless they rupture. Smoking — and now vaping — are associated with an increased risk of bursting these blisters, leading to lung collapse.

What do Vapes do to the brain?

The majority of vape liquids contain nicotine. In addition to being highly addictive, nicotine alters the neurotransmitters in the brain. It has been found to slow brain development in teens and affect memory, decision-making, concentration, self-control, and mood.

What is the safest vape to use?

If you are looking for the safest vape kit then you might want to consider disposables or pod kits. These are often low powered and have safety cuts offs as well as other features to prevent them from overheating. Not only as disposables one of the safest vape kits, but they are also super easy to use.

How harmful is vaping?

The e-cigarette aerosol that users breathe from the device and exhale can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including: Nicotine. Ultrafine particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Flavorings such as diacetyl, a chemical linked to a serious lung disease.

What are 5 facts about vaping?

10 Things You Need to Know About the Vaping EpidemicE-Cigarettes Contain Nicotine. ... Vapes Contain Other Harmful Chemicals. ... E-cigarettes are not Safe Just Because They are a Water Vapor. ... Young Adults are More Likely to Vape. ... Vaping is Addictive. ... Vaping Could be a Gateway Drug. ... Vaping Causes Heart and Lung Issues.More items...

What are the long-term risks of vaping?

These risks include nicotine addiction, mood disorders, and permanent lowering of impulse control. Nicotine also changes the way synapses are formed, which can harm the parts of the brain that control attention and learning.

How does vaping affect your body?

Nicotine in e-liquid goes quickly from your lungs to your bloodstream. It causes your body to release adrenaline, a hormone that raises your pulse, blood pressure, and breathing rate. This could play a role in raising your heart attack odds. You may also feel more alert and need to cough.

What does vaping do to your brain?

The majority of vape liquids contain nicotine. In addition to being highly addictive, nicotine alters the neurotransmitters in the brain. It has been found to slow brain development in teens and affect memory, decision-making, concentration, self-control, and mood.

How many deaths from vaping in the US?

There have been six confirmed deaths connected to vaping across the US – in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota and Oregon – as well as more than 450 cases of reported lung problems.

Can e-cigarettes cause toxicity?

In the US, however, there is far more interest in the chemicals contained in e-cigarettes and the possibility of any toxicity.

Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes?

PHE is on record as saying it is 95% safer than smoking – which kills half of all of those who take up the habit. UK scientists and campaigners are focused on e-cigarettes as a way for adults to quit smoking.

Can pregnant women use e-cigarettes?

Young people and pregnant women should not use e-cigarettes at all, it says. It advises people who are using e-cigarettes to try to stop smoking to consider other methods, such as counselling or medication.

Is there a cap on nicotine in e-cigarettes?

The absence of regulation in the US means there is no cap on nicotine levels in e-cigarette liquids, making stronger doses more addictive. The UK has a strict limit, thanks to an EU directive now enshrined in British law.

How many samples of THC are there in vaping?

In testimony before a House panel, Sharpless said the FDA has received 300 samples from vaping-related injury patients and tested 150. About 70 percent are products containing THC, and about half of those contain vitamin E oil, which Sharpless said has “no business” being in the lungs.

When did Michigan stop vaping?

On Oct. 15 , a Michigan judge halted the state’s flavor ban about two weeks after it took effect, ruling that the damage to vape businesses outweighs government’s interest in decreasing youth vaping, according to the Detroit Free Press. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) has pledged to appeal the decision.

How did Oregon's second death happen?

Story continues below advertisement. Oregon officials announced a second death, saying a middle-a ged adult fell seriously ill after vaping with marijuana oil. It was the first casualty linked to a store-bought product. The list of states with deaths has grown quickly since.

How long have e-cigarettes been sold?

E-cigarettes have been sold for more than a decade, but reports of vaping-linked illness started proliferating this year. An investigation by state health departments in Illinois and Wisconsin traced the first signs of illness among 53 tracked patients to April. The victims — mostly young men with a median age of 19 — overwhelmingly ended up in the hospital, many under intensive care. A third went on respirators.

Which states have banned vaping?

Michigan, New York, Rhode Island and Washington have enacted similar bans on flavored vaping sales over industry protests, and Massachusetts recently announced the strictest statewide regulations to date: a four-month halt to sales of all vaping products, effective immediately.

When will the number of hospitalized cases return to normal?

Cases have been declining since a peak in September. While the number of new hospitalized cases are dropping, they have not returned to levels before June 2019 and public health officials remain worried about the disease.

Is vitamin E acetate in vaping fluid?

On Nov. 8, CDC officials announced a “breakthrough” discovery, saying they identified vitamin E acetate in the lung fluids of 29 people sickened in the outbreak of dangerous vaping-related lung injuries. The finding points to the oil as a likely culprit in the outbreak, a top official said. Cases have been declining since a peak in September. While the number of new hospitalized cases are dropping, they have not returned to levels before June 2019 and public health officials remain worried about the disease.

How many deaths are linked to vaping?

Currently, 26 deaths linked to vaping have been confirmed in 21 states. . “Unfortunately, this may be the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the escalating health threat this outbreak poses to the American public, particularly youth and young adults.

What percentage of people with vaping illnesses use THC?

About 77 percent of people with vaping-related illnesses used products that contained THC or a mix of both THC and nicotine. Only around 16 percent of those who got sick said they used products that contained nicotine but not THC.

Why is THC in vaping?

THC is the main psychoactive compound in marijuana and is responsible for the feeling of being high.

How long have e-cigarettes been around?

E-cigarettes — battery-powered devices that heat liquids with substances such as nicotine and marijuana — have been around for more than a decade. But reports of vaping-related illnesses started showing up in April with cases dramatically rising starting in July. Since then, the number of cases has grown steadily.

Should I stop vaping?

With the number of vaping-related illnesses continuing to rise, Labaki recommends that people stop vaping immediately.

Do people who use e-cigarettes need medical attention?

The CDC says that people who use e-cigarettes should seek medical care promptly if they experience any symptoms seen in these cases.

Is e-cigarettes regulated?

Given the number of questions that remain about these cases — and that e-cigarettes are largely unregulated — many health officials are urging caution.

How many people vape at age 50?

If you're among the estimated 3 to 7 percent of adults ages 50 to 64 who vape nicotine or the 1 in 4 medical marijuana users age 50-plus who vape their cannabis, here's what you should know:

What is the aerosol in a vape pen?

E-cigarettes and vape pens heat up liquid nicotine or the cannabis compounds tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and/or cannabidiol (CBD). This produces an aerosol that users inhale. Nicotine vape products also contain flavorings, propylene glycol and glycerol. It's not always possible to tell what's in THC vaping products, however, even in a state-regulated marijuana dispensary.

What is the best way to stop smoking?

"Try FDA-approved smoking cessation products like nicotine replacement or medications,” Garfield suggests. The FDA says these options could double your odds for success. Nicotine replacement options include inhalers, sprays, patches and gum. The FDA-approved medications Chantix (varenicline tartrate) and Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) can help by making smoking less pleasurable.

Can you get vape cartridges from a black market?

While many vapers with VAPI say they got prefilled vape cartridges on the street or from a friend or relative, not all cases involve black-market products. Others say theirs came from state-sanctioned marijuana dispensaries, vape shops and even convenience stores. The FDA, CDC, American Medical Association and American Lung Association recommend avoiding all vape products — whether they contain THC (from marijuana), CBD (from hemp) or nicotine — because the source of the problem is unknown.

Does vaping cause lung problems?

According to the CDC, it’s not clear whether anyone with confirmed vaping-related lung problems was “dry vaping,” as is often done with medical and recreational marijuana. Dry vaping involves inhaling vapor from dried cannabis leaves and flowers in a specialized tabletop or hand-held vaporizer rather than using liquid-filled cartridges in a vape pen. Meanwhile, the overall effects of dry vaping on lung health have not been carefully researched, according to a 2017 review in the International Journal of Drug Policy. A few small studies suggest that compared with smoking marijuana (burning it in a joint or a pipe), dry vaping may send fewer toxins into the lungs — but other researchers warn that the vapor from dry cannabis bought on the street could contain ammonia.

Does THC cause lung damage?

Flavorings, as well as thickener additives such as vitamin E acetate in THC products and other unknown additives in black-market THC vape products, have all been considered possible causes, with no single product or compound linked yet to the lung damage.

Is it safe to smoke e-cigarettes?

It 's not always possible to tell what's in THC vaping products, however, even in a state-regulated marijuana dispensary. E-cigarettes have been seen as a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes by many users and by some proponents as a way to quit smoking. But they're not without risks.

How many people died from vaping in 2020?

As of Jan. 21, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 60 deaths in patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI).

Why are e-cigarettes so popular?

First, many teens believe that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Second, e-cigarettes have a lower per-use cost than traditional cigarettes.

How many chemicals are in e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes heat nicotine (extracted from tobacco), flavorings and other chemicals to create an aerosol that you inhale. Regular tobacco cigarettes contain 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic. While we don’t know exactly what chemicals are in e-cigarettes, Blaha says “there’s almost no doubt that they expose you to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes.”

How many people want to quit smoking?

If you have thought about trying to kick a smoking habit, you’re not alone. Nearly 7 of 10 smokers say they want to stop. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health — smoking harms nearly every organ in your body, including your heart. Nearly one-third of deaths from heart disease are the result of smoking and secondhand smoke.

Is vaping bad for you?

Is vaping bad for you? There are many unknowns about vaping, including what chemicals make up the vapor and how they affect physical health over the long term . “People need to understand that e-cigarettes are potentially dangerous to your health,” says Blaha. “Emerging data suggests links to chronic lung disease and asthma, and associations between dual use of e-cigarettes and smoking with cardiovascular disease. You’re exposing yourself to all kinds of chemicals that we don’t yet understand and that are probably not safe.”

Is nicotine a substance?

Nicotine is the primary agent in both regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes, and it is highly addictive. It causes you to crave a smoke and suffer withdrawal symptoms if you ignore the craving. Nicotine is also a toxic substance. It raises your blood pressure and spikes your adrenaline, which increases your heart rate and the likelihood of having a heart attack.

Can you use THC in a vape?

The CDC recommends that people: Do not use THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Avoid using informal sources, such as friends, family or online dealers to obtain a vaping device. Do not modify or add any substances to a vaping device that are not intended by the manufacturer.

When will vaping peak?

Emergency department (ED) visits related to e-cigarette, or vaping, products continue to decline, after sharply increasing in August 2019 and peaking in September.

When is the next vaping hospital admission?

Dates of symptom onset and hospital admission for patients with lung injury associated with e-cigarette use, or vaping — United States, March 31, 2019–February 15, 2020. Numbers do not sum to 2,807 due to missing admission dates.

How many deaths from evali in 2020?

As of February 18, 2020, a total of 2,807 hospitalized EVALI cases or deaths have been reported to CDC from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). Sixty-eight deaths have been confirmed in 29 states and the District of Columbia (as of February 18, 2020).

What is an e-cigarette?

Using an e-cigarette is commonly called vaping. E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.

When did the CDC stop collecting data?

Due to the subsequent identification of the primary cause of EVALI, and the considerable decline in EVALI cases and deaths since a peak in September 2019, CDC stopped collecting these data from states as of February 2020.

How to contact CDC about e-cigarettes?

If you have questions about CDC’s investigation into the lung injuries associated with use of e-cigarette, or vaping, products, contact CDC-INFO or call 1-800-232-4636.

What is the median age of a deceased patient?

The median age of deceased patients was 49.5 years and ranged from 15-75 years (as of February 18, 2020).

How long does it take to know the damage of vaping?

It may take decades to know the full extent of the damage done by vaping, although Jani thinks we shouldn’t wait that long.

How long does it take for a vape to show symptoms?

One clue pointing toward contaminants is the sudden onset of symptoms — occuring within weeks or months of vaping a certain product, rather than developing slowly over years of use.

Why should parents rethink letting their teens vape?

Kaslow says parents should rethink letting their teen vape because they think it’s a “safer” alternative to cigarettes, or that it can keep their children from smoking.

How many studies have been done on e-cigarettes?

A 2018 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reviewed more than 800 studies on the health effects of e-cigarettes.

Is vaping safer than smoking?

While vaping products aren’t completely harmless, they appear to be safer than smoking. Cigarette smoke contains a much larger number of toxins and cancer-causing chemicals than e-cigarette vapor.

Can you vape THC?

Many cases have involved people vaping THC oils, including ones purchased online or from unlicensed “ pop-up shops ,” according to the Post.

Is vaping safe?

While some physicians say there’s no safe level of vaping, other experts — along with industry spokespeople — say the real problem is illicit or adulterated vaping products.

How Many People Died From Vaping?

The vaping lung illness outbreak that struck the nation between 2019 and 2020 wasn’t anything to overlook. It was real, it was serious, and there were a lot of businesses and people affected by the outbreak. To make it worse, there were 2,711 people that were hospitalized and 60 deaths, which have been confirmed by the CDC. The vaping lung illness outbreak was contained only in the United States, fortunately. The first cases were in both Illinois and Wisconsin, though the products spread to various states.

Why did vaping deaths happen?

However, the cause of the vaping-related deaths wasn’t from nicotine vaping. In fact, the vaping lung illness outbreak that began in 2019 and ended in 2020 was caused by black market THC cartridges . Sold illegally, these carts containing THC (the cannabinoid in marijuana that gets you high) utilize a concentrate that was found to contain Vitamin E acetate. Although Vitamin E acetate is used to thicken the formula in vape concentrations, manufacturers typically use lower than 20%.

How Did The Vaping Illness Slow Down?

For those that were wondering how many people died from vaping, you may also be wondering how did the vaping illness finally slow down? Once news began to spread and the legal actions taken against the illicit sellers came to fruition, suddenly, the vaping illness disappeared just as quickly as it came. Here are some of the reasons why the vaping illness slowed down:

What is the effect of Vitamin E acetate on vape cartridges?

With very little knowledge of these products and in an effort to bulk up the low potency in the black market vape cartridges, the illicit manufacturers/sellers were using 50% or more in the cartridges. Due to them using the highly concentrated formula of Vitamin E acetate, it caused a severe lung illness, causing serious breathing complications.

What was the effect of the vaping outbreak?

The outbreak was a huge blow to the vaping industry. It caused panic, it gave vaping and vaping products a bad name, and all of this is happening while the industry is still trying to prove itself. It seems as if everyone is out to get the vaping industry, causing destruction in its path.

What is Guide to Vaping?

Guide To Vaping is the largest online magazine blog that is dedicated to providing a vast selection of helpful and informative articles about the latest vaping news, vapor products, and CBD. Powered by Marketing Motiv

What happened to Dank vapes?

So, what happened to them? Multiple arrests were made, 7 in Kenosha, Wisconsin where authorities raided and seized roughly $1.5 million worth of THC products. From our research, the court is still proceeding, though the defense attorneys were granted (from Jan 16, 2020) 60 more days to go through the information, and the prosecutors did not object. We have not learned of any further information regarding the case.

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