According to the most recent estimate released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, vaping illnesses have resulted in the deaths of 52 Americans.

CDC Updates Vaping Illness Death Toll

According to the most recent numbers released by the CDC, 52 people in 26 states have died due to vaping lung damage linked to use of e-cigarettes and vape pens. In addition to the deaths, thousands of people have reportedly been hospitalized due to complications from exposure to e-cigarette and vape pods.

Cases of vaping lung illnesses began to rise in June 2019. Although most cases were reported in August and September, new cases of vape-related lung illnesses are still being reported by victims. Approximately 100 new cases are being reported to the CDC every week.

More than 2,400 cases of vaping lung damage and have resulted in hospitalization. Most of these cases have been located in the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Most people who have been hospitalized due to vaping lung illnesses have been young, in their teens or early twenties. As vape and e-cigarette use by teens and young adults has skyrocketed over the past few years, youths may be at increased risk of suffering from vaping lung damage. While teen nicotine use had been in decline for several years, the popularity of Juul vapes and other e-cigarettes has caused youth nicotine use to rise rapidly. More than a quarter of high school students report having used an e-cigarette in the past 30 days.

According to patient reports, most of the hospitalized victims vaped products that contain THC. THC is the ingredient in marijuana that causes psychoactive effects or a high. As these products are illegal in most states, many of the THC pods linked to vaping illnesses were sold on the black market and may have been adulterated.

The CDC has reported that vitamin E acetate, a common additive in many vape pods, may be to blame for many incidents of e-cigarette lung damage. Vitamin E acetate is often added to illegal THC vape pods in order to thicken the vape liquid. However, this additive has been found in the lungs of many victims of vaping illnesses and may cause dangerous health side effects. In one study, the additive was found in the lungs of 48 out of 51 victims who suffered from vape-related lung illnesses or died from the condition.

Symptoms of Vaping Lung Damage

People who smoke Juuls or other e-cigarettes may want to be aware of the symptoms of e-cigarette lung damage. Symptoms of vape-related lung illnesses may include shortness of breath, cough, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chest pain, and dizziness.

Vapers who have developed lung damage may be eligible to hire a qualified attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of these potentially dangerous vaping devices.