The health hazards of vaping have raised the profile of this popular activity, especially due to the number of teens using e-cigarettes. As more news stories and individual reports shine a light on the dangers of vapingand certain devices used for it, a sixth person has died, according to CNN.

The most recent victim to succumb to a vaping related illnesses was a 50-year-old woman with other medical issues, but began to experience a serious health decline after starting to use e-cigarettes. Once she began vaping, her symptoms rapidly worsened.

Government agencies have been investigating the health hazards of vaping following at least 450 potential cases of vaping lung illness in 33 states. The most recent victim lived in Kansas, but deaths have also been reported in Indiana, Illinois, California, Oregon, and Minnesota.

The primary cause of vaping health issues is not yet known. The investigation, however, is ongoing. The common denominator among all the cases is that the affected person was using e-cigarettes.

A New York investigation identified very high levels of one chemical, vitamin E acetate, in vaping products. Every person who got sick from vaping in New York consumed a product containing that chemical.

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control’s (CDC) position on e-cigarettes is that they shouldn’t be used by young adults, adults who aren’t using tobacco products, or pregnant women. Although the companies making these devices argue that they are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, ecigs do carry their own risks with the health hazards of vaping. Furthermore, since they’ve becoming popular among teens and young adults, there are concerns about the very high levels of nicotine present in the devices.

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that many people using these devices may be unaware of the potential health problems.

The American Lung Association recently warned that e-cigarettes are not safe because they can cause lung disease and irreversible lung damage. The American Medical Association says that users should curb the habit until a further investigation is completed.

There’s even evidence that inhaling secondhand vape smoke can be also dangerous due to the potential risks from vapor. A study completed in 2014 found that indoor air quality was affected when ecigs were used in a ventilated room. The particles released when someone is vaping could travel through the room and affect another person’s lungs.

A 2018 study showed that ncotine is not the only substance found inside vaping devices. Glycerin, aldehyde, and heavy metals were all detected and can all contribute to the health hazards of vaping, even if you’re not the one using the device. The secondary health hazards of vaping have not been studied as much, but research continues to unfold, according to CNET.

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