Public Health investigates lung illness linked to vaping

The Delaware Division of Public Health is investigating three possible cases of lung illness connected to the use of e-cigarettes.

There have been no confirmed cases, but Delaware is one of 33 states with possible cases – as many as 450 nationwide. Five deaths connected to vaping or inhaling e-cigarette products, liquids, refill pods and cartridges have been confirmed nationwide. 

“The rising number of lung illnesses across the country that are associated with the use of e-cigarette products is incredibly alarming,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of Delaware Division of Public Health. “We strongly encourage individuals, especially youth, to avoid using e-cigarette products. I cannot stress this point strongly enough – these illnesses can be life-threatening.” 

More research needs to be done on the long-term impacts, but the CDC has stated that the aerosol used in e-cigarettes contains harmful substances such as nicotine, lead products and cancer-causing agents.

The CDC launched its investigation into the lung illnesses on Aug. 1, 2019, and has worked closely since then with the Food and Drug Administration, states and other public health partners, and clinicians to determine the cause. No evidence of infectious diseases has been identified in these patients, therefore lung illnesses are likely associated with a chemical exposure. The investigation has not yet identified any specific substance or e-cigarette product that is linked to all cases. Many patients report using e-cigarette products with liquids that contain cannabinoid products, such as tetrahydrocannabinol - THC.

Based on reports from several states, patients have experienced respiratory symptoms - cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain - and some have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms  such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Symptoms typically develop over a period of days but sometimes can manifest over several weeks. 

While this investigation is ongoing, officials strongly encourage people not to use e-cigarette products. Regardless of the ongoing investigation, people who use e-cigarette products should not buy these products off the street and should not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances that are not intended by the manufacturer, officials said. E-cigarette products should never be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products.

People who do use e-cigarette products should monitor themselves for symptoms and promptly seek medical attention for any health concerns. Individuals concerned about their health after using an e-cigarette product should contact their health care provider, or the local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Adult smokers who are attempting to quit should use evidence-based treatments, including counseling and FDA-approved medications. For help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, call the Delaware Quitline at 1-866-409-1858. 

Among teenagers, officials say, experimentation with electronic or e-cigarettes became very popular, starting about 2015. According to the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of public high school students, 38 percent reported ever trying e-cigarettes, 13.6 percent of students had used e-cigarettes in the past month, and 1.9 percent were smoking or vaping e-cigarettes daily.