A fifth person has reportedly died as a result of the same mysterious lung illness spreading throughout the United States, an epidemic which doctors suspect may be caused by vaping.
In the wake of the rapidly spreading cases, federal health officials are urging e-cigarette users to quit the habit before they too contract the illness.
As of right now, there are a total of 450 possible cases of severe respiratory illness from people who vape or use e-cigarettes, as discovered in 33 states — more than twice the 215 cases reported last week.
A majority of those battling the illness have reported using cannabis-derived vaping products with THC. Fewer admitted to strictly vaping nicotine.
However, the New York State Department of Health has narrowed its focus on one possible substance, believing high levels of Vitamin E acetate found in cannabis products could potentially be what's harming people.
Vitamin E acetate is harmless when applied to the body in skin care products, but can be toxic if inhaled.
The FDA is currently testing more than 120 other substances from cannabis products which could be linked to the mysterious lung illness, including nicotine and tetrahydrocannabinol — the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana more commonly known as THC.
"While this investigation is ongoing, people should consider not using e-cigarette products," CDC official Dr. Dana Meaney-Delman said.
She added, "People who do use e-cigarette products should monitor themselves for symptoms, for example, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and vomiting - and promptly seek medical attention for any health concerns."
Mutch Zeller, director of the FDA's Centre for Tobacco Products warned: "If you're thinking of purchasing one of these products off the street, out of the back of a car, out of a trunk, in an alley - or if you are then going to go home and make modifications to the product yourself using something that you purchased from some third party or got from a friend - think twice."
h/t: Science News
