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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating why hundreds of people across the country have contracted a mysterious lung disease that they believe is linked to vaping. Last week, 215 possible cases were reported in 25 states. Symptoms range from respiratory problems such as shortness of breath and chest pain to gastrointestinal symptoms. Some have been hospitalized and the lung disease has even made a victim.
Health officials are certain that this mysterious disease is associated with the vaporization of electronic cigarettes containing nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and / or cannabinoid compounds. However, it is unclear which chemical in e-cigarettes is causing the disease: one of the above-mentioned major intoxicants, a chemical present in the additive flavors or perhaps a new contaminant unknown.
As Salon reports in 2018, some of the chemicals contained in the flavors used to add flavor to vaping are considered safe by manufacturers because they have been ingested by the FDA. Yet, no one knows for sure if you can breathe the same chemicals safely, and many chemicals approved for ingestion become toxic after burning.
Diacetyl, which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration warned against the inspiration of workers because of its link with bronchiolitis obliterans (respiratory system disease), was present in 75% of electronic cigarettes flavored tested.
Jake Plattenberger, a lawyer who defends victims who have been exposed to diacetyl, says that consumers of electronic cigarettes contain a lot of chemicals and that health officials do not know it.
"These formulas are treated as trade secrets, and vaping companies are not required to disclose their formulas or ingredients, but we know enough about the food flavoring industry as they have been steamed. industry, "Plattenberger told Salon.
These chemicals include diacetyl, an alternative to diacetyl called acetyl, propionyl, acetoin and diketones. According to Plattenberger, "scientists would tell you that there is a good chance that" these constitute a problematic or potentially harmful class of chemicals ".
Contaminants other than flavorings could also be responsible. As stated in an article published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives in August, entitled "Cannabis Contaminants: Regulating Solvents, Microbes and Metals in Legal Weed", "e-vaping" devices use metal coils or elements ceramics powered by small batteries aerosolize liquid or solid cannabis concentrates prior to inhalation. The paper suggests that the metal in the coils could theoretically send vaporized metals into the lungs of smokers; in addition, pesticides containing lead or mercury could also be contaminated with metals.
While vaping has become more popular, researchers have intensified their research into the chemicals found in electronic cigarettes. Teens in particular have started taking electronic cigarettes. In September 2018, The Washington Post reported that unpublished public health data showed that there was a 75% increase in electronic cigarette consumption among high school students in 2018 compared to 2017. Between 1997 and 2015, the smoking rate in the United States has dropped by an astounding 70% and is expected to be virtually eliminated by 2035, until steam sets in.
Erika Sward, Deputy National Vice President of Advocacy at the American Lung Association, told Salon that the mysterious doctors with severe lung disease was a consequence of the non-regulation of the industry for so long.
"The fact that the electronic cigarette was allowed to remain in this unregulated quasi-state for so long is really why we're here now," Sward said. "Because the FDA has taken a long time to assert its authority over e-cigs, and that postponing the review of each of these products is really the reason we have this group of diseases."
For years, whistleblowers have been urging the FDA to regulate electronic cigarettes and flavored tobacco. Dozens of attorneys general sent a letter to the FDA in 2015. In September 2018, the federal agency said that adolescence was an "epidemic". She sent warning letters to online retailers and in physical stores. He also asks for a list of ingredients for a future review.
"An important point in all of this is that the FDA has authority over the components of e-cigs," Sward said. "Regardless of what is found in the products themselves that are causing the group of lung diseases, the FDA has authority over the components."
Phillip Lamberty, a pulmonologist and intensive care specialist at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, treated three patients whose cases were submitted to the CDC. His theory, he told Salon, is that there could be an additional contaminant in vaping e-liquids.
"My leader [uncorroborated] The theory … is that a contaminant or a series of contaminants must be introduced, "he told Salon. "It's either something new is happening or there is a contaminant across the board or we've missed other cases that were related."
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