The CDC recently warned of e cig health risks, pointing to popular e-cigarette manufacturer JUUL and its use of nicotine salts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), JUUL uses nicotine salts in its vaping products, which could prove risky for teenage users.

“Juul products use nicotine salts, which can lead to much more available nicotine,” CDC Principal Deputy Director Dr. Anne Schuchat said while addressing the House Oversight and Reform Committee’s panel on consumer products. According to Schuchat, nicotine salts may allow nicotine to “cross the blood brain barrier and lead to potentially more effect on the developing brain in adolescents.”

Nicotine salt is a type of nicotine that forms in the leaves of tobacco plants. Unlike the traditional freebase nicotine salt found in e-liquids, nicotine salt reportedly allows for higher levels of nicotine while remaining tolerable to users.

JUUL has defended its use of nicotine salt, saying that the chemical mimics the experience of a traditional, combustible cigarette. Although this may explain the motivation for using nicotine salts, the CDC is concerned that e cig health risks may be significant for teenagers using products with nicotine salts.

Because nicotine salts provide a higher level of the addictive chemical, teenagers may be at risk for developing an insurmountable nicotine addiction. This reportedly carries difficulties with memory, learning, and attention – all important things to a young consumer likely still in school.

The concerns about e cig health risks have reached an all-time high amidst reports of an unexplained vaping illness plaguing the nation. According to the CDC (as of 9/24), there have been 805 cases of unexplained lung injury related to vaping, along with 12 deaths in 10 states.

Unfortunately, the government health agency is at a loss when it comes to identifying the cause. Other than the common thread of e-cigarette usage, no product or substance has been linked to the illness cases. Similarly, no single brand has been implicated in the investigation.

Although the cause cannot be determined, investigations have shown that the illness may be related to THC products. Based on data from 514 patients, 77 percent of patients reported using THC vape products and 36 percent reported using only THC products. Only 16 percent of patients have reported using exclusively nicotine products before falling ill, suggesting that THC products may have played a role.

Although this is the running theory, officials unfortunately do not have enough evidence to come to a solid conclusion. More data continues to be gathered and health agencies are reportedly testing vape liquid samples. While the issue is still being investigated, the CDC recommends consumers stop using vaping products.

“At this point I think caution in all products is recommended. It may not even be the THC or the nicotine. It may be the additives or substances that may be common. It may be the material is not labeled appropriately. I do think consumers need to be quite cautious right now,” Schuchat said, according to CNBC.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented 
for informational purposes only.