According to recent information released by the Centers for Disease Control at the end of December, 2,561 people were hospitalized due to vaping lung problems during the year. The CDC also reports that 55 people across 27 states have also died due to complications from vaping-related lung illnesses.

Vaping Lung Problems Affect Thousands of Victims

According to the CDC, 2,561 patients from all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico have been diagnosed with vaping-related lung illnesses. Fifty-five of these patients have died due to the condition.

The outbreak of vaping lung problems reportedly began in June 2019 and peaked in September. Although the number of new patients being diagnosed with the condition has been declining for several months, new cases are still being diagnosed.

The CDC has named the condition EVALI, or e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury.

According to initial research into the condition, it appears to be caused by vitamin E acetate. Vitamin E acetate is a sticky additive that may be added to some e-liquid cartridges or pods to thicken the product. It is usually found in vape pods that contain THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana.

Vitamin E acetate was discovered as the likely culprit responsible for the epidemic of vaping lung problems after it was found in 29 out of 29 studied samples of affected lung tissue. The CDC has recommended that people discontinue the use of vapes that contain THC, as these products are more likely to also contain vitamin E acetate. The organization has also recommended that people refrain from using any kind of e-cigarette until these products have been more thoroughly researched and regulated, in order to eliminate their risk of contracting vaping lung problems.

Vaping Lung Problems and Other Side Effects

Symptoms of EVALI may include shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, or rapid and shallow breathing. These symptoms may mimic symptoms associated with other respiratory conditions including pneumonia and the flu.

In addition to EVALI, vaping and e-cigarettes may also cause other side effects. Some people have reported experiencing seizures after using vapes, and many people have experienced heart problems caused by these devices. In some cases, people have reported experiencing a nicotine overdose or nicotine poisoning after using an e-cigarette. Symptoms of nicotine poisoning may include excessive saliva, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, tremors, increased heart rate, diarrhea, weakness, and pale skin. In extreme cases, nicotine poisoning may cause seizures, coma, breathing difficulties, or death.

If you or your child has experienced vaping lung problems, EVALI, nicotine overdose, seizures, or other serious side effects related to the use of an e-cigarette or vape, you may be eligible to hire an experienced attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of these products. Victims who pursue litigation may be able to collect compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other costs.