Recent research shows the association of the use of e-cigarette or vaping products and lung injuries.
In recent years, the use of e-cigarettes and other vaping products among youth has dramatically risen. These products can contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), the cannabis-derived compounds, along with other chemicals. Despite the rising use of vaping products for recreational purposes among youth, the contents of these products are unmonitored. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 2,807 deaths and cases have been reported in February 2020 of e-cigarette or vaping products associated with lung injuries (EVALI). Therefore, it is important to know the clinical characteristics of patients and which vaping products are dangerous.
A recent study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine shows the association of lung injuries and the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products. Laboratory data including the demographic, level of care, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes of 160 patients with EVALI were analyzed. Patient interviews were conducted based on the frequency, acquired sources, and types of vaping products used. The vaping products that were subsequently obtained from patients were also tested for their chemical composition.
The results showed the predominant use of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing vaping products obtained from informal sources, including family and friends as the most common among EVALI patients. In addition to this, most of the THC-containing products additionally contained Vitamin E acetate or Vitamin E.
Although the research shows the most common type and contents in vaping products used among individuals, other underlying illnesses and factors could be the cause of lung injuries among EVALI patients. Therefore, further studies need to be conducted to confirm and expand on these results.
Written by Sakina Bano Mendha
Keyword: which vaping products are dangerous
Other tags: e-cigarette, or vaping products associated lung injuries, EVALI
References
EurekAlert. (n.d.). Types of vaping products used by hospitalized patients with severe lung injury. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-03/jn-tov030420.php
Heinzerling, A. (2020, March 6). Severe Lung Injury Associated With Use of e-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products-California, 2019. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2762714
Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products. (2020, February 25). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
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