According to the Louisiana Department of Health, the third vaping-related death in the state has been reported.

Louisiana Reports Vaping Illnesses and Deaths

The Advocate reports that on Jan. 27, Louisiana confirmed that a third person has died due to a vape-related illness that has affected at least 34 other people in the state since August 2019. More than 2,600 people across the country have also reportedly been affected by the condition. At least 60 people in the U.S. have died due to the vaping lung illness and e-cigarette cardiovascular health problems. Incidents of vape-related lung illness have been reported from all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Louisiana patients reportedly have a median age of 30, but little else is known about their demographics due to privacy concerns. However, it is known that approximately half of these patients used both nicotine and THC in their vape pens and e-cigarettes. THC is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Although the substance is illegal at a federal level, many vape shops and individuals alter vape pens and e-cigarettes to allow THC to be added to them.

Background on E-Cigarette Cardiovascular Health Risks

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control has labeled the illness EVALI, or e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury. According to the CDC, a common additive to vape juice pods is likely to be the culprit behind the illnesses.

Vitamin E acetate is often added to THC vape pods as a thickening agent. The additive has reportedly been found in the lungs of many patients who have been diagnosed with vape-related conditions. While it is still unknown exactly what effect vitamin E acetate has on the lungs, it appears to interfere with regular lung functioning.

In addition to EVALI, the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens may result in e-cigarette cardiovascular health problems including heart attack and coronary artery disease, as well as symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. According to clinical care publication, AJMC.com, some studies indicate that e-cigarette use may also be related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Although there has reportedly been a decline in the diagnosis of new cases of EVALI since September 2019, the condition is still a concern for the CDC. Due to the dangers associated with vape pens and e-cigarettes, the CDC has recommended against the use of vaping products containing THC. The organization has recommended that adults who have switched to e-cigarettes or vape pens as an alternative to traditional cigarettes consider quitting smoking, or look into FDA-approved smoking cessation medications. Additionally, some flavors of vape and e-cigarette products including mint, dessert, and fruit have been banned in the U.S. in an attempt to combat the popularity of these products, especially among teens.

If you or your child has suffered from e-cigarette health problems due to the use of e-cigarettes or vape pens, you may be eligible to hire an attorney and file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of these devices.