A new CDC report released this Monday has provided the public with additional information on the recent vaping epidemic linked to 34 deaths and 1,604 cases of severe lung disease across the nation. Of the 34 reported deaths, the CDC had data on the substance use of 19 patients; 84% reported any use of THC-containing products, 37% reported any use of nicotine-containing products, 63% reported exclusive use of THC-containing products, and 16% reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products. Additionally, for 29 out of the 34 deaths, the median age of the patients was 45 years old and 59% were men. Those who succumbed to their lung illness were older than the overall population of those with severe lung disease due to vaping.
Of the 1,604 cases of severe lung disease, those with available data were mostly young (79% under age 35), white (78% non-Hispanic white), and male (70% males). Additionally, about half of the cases of lung disease and 2 deaths occurred in patients under 25-years-old. Available data on 867 patients reports that 86% reported any use of THC-containing products, 64% reported any use of nicotine-containing products, 52% reported any use of both THC-containing products and nicotine-containing products, 34% reported exclusive use of THC-containing products, and 11% reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products.
“It is evident from today’s report that these lung injuries are disproportionately affecting young people,” said Robert R. Redfield, M.D., director of the CDC. “As CDC receives additional data, a more defined picture of those impacted is taking shape. These new insights can help bring us a step closer to identifying the cause or causes of this outbreak.”
The FDA and CDC have yet to identify the cause (or causes) of the current vaping epidemic and they recommend refraining from the use of all vaping products, due to the fact that no single ingredient or chemical has been linked to all cases of lung injury and death. Additionally, due to the reports of THC use from ongoing investigations, they warn the public not to use any vaping products that contain THC especially when purchased “off the street”.