CDC investigates lung diseases related to the use of electronic cigarettes

NEW YORK (Reuters) – US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating a "group" of lung diseases that they believe could be linked to the use of e-cigarettes after the declaration of such diseases. case in 14 states.

The CDC stated that there was no evidence that an infectious disease was causing the disease and that more information was needed to determine whether or not they were actually caused by the use of the electronic cigarette.

The CDC is collaborating on investigations with the health departments of Wisconsin, Illinois, California, Indiana, and Minnesota. Since June 28, states have reported 94 possible cases of severe atrophy-related lung disease, mostly among adolescents and young adults, according to a statement from the CDC released Saturday. Thirty of these cases occurred in Wisconsin.

The patients had coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. Some had serious breathing difficulties requiring ventilation.

A CDC spokesperson has not been able to provide additional information about the investigation. State health representatives did not respond to requests for information.

Other states, including New York and New Jersey, have also published health advisories regarding pulmonary diseases related to vaping.

The CDC has not linked the diseases to a specific product. In the United States, Juul Labs, in which Altria Group Inc (MON) has a 35% stake, is the dominant manufacturer of electronic cigarettes.

"Like any health-related event that would be associated with the use of steam-based products, we are monitoring this information," Juul Labs said in a statement sent by email to Reuters.

"These reports reaffirm the need to keep all tobacco and nicotine products out of reach of young people through significant access and enforcement regulations. We must also ensure that illegal products, such as counterfeiters, imitators and those who deliver controlled substances, stay out of the market and out of the market. "

Juul also noted that, according to some media, several cases of vaping-related lung disease would have involved THC, found in marijuana, "a Schedule 1 controlled substance that we do not sell," said the society.

According to the World Health Organization, electronic cigarettes are generally considered safer than traditional cigarettes, which kill up to half of users for life. But the long-term effects of nicotine devices on health remain largely unknown. In April, the US Food and Drug Administration opened an investigation into seizures of electronic cigarette users.