As the vaping crisis continues, health officials have now released a publication identifying vitamin E acetate as the most likely cause of the lung illnesses. Over the past few months, over 2000 people have become ill after vaping either THC or nicotine e-liquids.
Since e-cigarettes have become mainstream products, there has been much debate over their safety. There have been thousands of studies over their risks and benefits, especially in terms of how it will affect young people and encourage them to start using nicotine.
After the illnesses appeared, concerns have been raised, resulting in a crackdown. However, the report, which was published by the CDC and tested lung fluid samples of 29 patients in 10 different states, found Vitamin E acetate is the most likely cause of the illnesses.
It was the FDA that originally raised suspicions about the vitamin supplements, saying it had found it in some of the cannabis products being used by individuals that had become ill. It’s not been confirmed that the majority of samples tested positive for the substance.
While officials previously wouldn’t name a particular cause of the injuries, the CDC says the latest findings are a step forward. Out of the 29 samples tested, 23 had vitamin E in them. However, further tests are still needed to be sure it is definitely the cause.
According to the CDC: “These new findings are significant. We have a strong culprit. Vitamin E acetate is used as an additive in the production of e-cigarette, or vaping, products. This is the first time that we have detected a potential chemical of concern in biologic samples from patients with these lung injuries.”
It added that the public should still avoid using THC vaping products until the research is finalised, adding that products from “informal sources like friends, or family, or in-person or online dealers” should, in particular, be avoided.
The CDC said: “We will continue to provide updates as more data become available.”
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