According to an announcement from officials at Marin County Public Health in California, a 45-year-old woman who died from vape-related complications in the fourth person in the state to die from e-cigarette complications.

E Cigarette Cardiovascular Health Problems Continue to Claim Victims

At least 40 vaping-related deaths have been reported by 24 states and the District of Columbia since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began to keep track of illnesses caused by e-cigarettes earlier in 2019. 2,000 other deaths are suspected to be related to vaping illnesses, but have not been confirmed.

In a statement released by Marin County Public Health officials, this latest victim was a previously healthy woman who only began to vape about six months ago. While little research has been conducted into whether the effects of vaping compound over time or if e cigarette cardiovascular health problems can be caused by a single exposure, this latest case may be concerning to casual or recent adopters of e-cigarettes.

Due to the rising concerns regarding vaping side effects, many cities. including San Francisco. have passed legislation banning the sale of vape devices and e-cigarettes within city limits. On the Nov. 5 ballot, San Francisco residents voted to uphold their city’s ban, striking down a ballot measure to allow the sale of these devices with some limitations. Approximately 80 percent of residents who voted, voted to keep the ban in place.

Additionally, many cities have banned the sale of flavored vape and tobacco products. These flavored products are suspected by many to play a role in the recent uptick in youth tobacco use. While youth tobacco use had been in decline for several years, recent surveys indicate that nearly 40 percent of high school seniors now use e cigarettes. As many vape and e cigarette products are produced in teen friendly flavors, many anti-tobacco advocates suspect that these marketing strategies may be meant to directly target teens.

What May Be Causing E Cigarette Cardiovascular Health Issues?

While it is currently unknown what compounds in e-cigarettes are causing the outbreak of vaping lung illnesses, there is speculation that vitamin E acetate, a common additive in vape pods, may be to blame. According to a recent investigation reported by USA Today, 29 patients who developed e cigarette cardiovascular health issues were found to have vitamin E acetate residue in their lungs. According to manufacturers and retailers of e cigarettes, this acetate is often found in illegal products containing marijuana. Rather than banning all vape products, many retailers and manufacturers are pushing for these products to be better regulated.

Symptoms of E Cigarette Cardiovascular Health Problems

Symptoms of e cigarette cardiovascular health problems may include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, nausea, diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Victims who have experienced e cigarette symptoms may want to seek medical attention, as these symptoms may be signs of a serious issue. Victims who have suffered from negative e cigarette side effects may also be eligible to hire a qualified attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the retailers and manufacturers of these devices.