niman

Jim Deegan @jim_deegan · 23m @BrittSween has the exclusive on a potential 2nd Pa. vaping-related death being reported to @CDCgov by Reading Hospital. 6:30&11pm @PBS39News . @EyesOnBerks

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today reported the state’s first death from a vaping-associated lung injury, a woman in her 60s from Hampshire County, to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She was among the 121 suspected cases that have been reported to DPH since September 11 when Massachusetts began mandating that clinicians immediately report any unexplained vaping-associated lung injury to the department. Of the 121 suspected reports, 9 cases have been confirmed and 10 are probable for meeting the CDC’s definition of vaping-associated lung injury, nearly double the number of cases DPH reported a week ago to the CDC. At least 39 reports are for patients who have been ruled out as having vaping-associated lung injury. With the number of suspect cases rising statewide and nationally, Governor Charlie Baker announced on September 24th a public health emergency and a four-month statewide ban on sales of all vaping products in Massachusetts. The sales ban applies to all vaping devices and products, including tobacco and marijuana. ``The number of confirmed and probable cases of vaping-associated lung injury we’re seeing continues to escalate and today I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of a patient who had this illness,” said Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD., MPH. ` `We are investigating these cases as quickly as possible and working with our federal partners to better understand this outbreak.” DPH issued a clinical advisory on September 11 asking providers to report any case of a person experiencing otherwise unexplained progressive symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, cough, or weight loss, of any severity, and an abnormal chest imaging study associated with vaping. The suspected cases are to be reported to DPH via a form and sent to a confidential fax line. As of October 1, a total of 1,080 lung injury cases associated with using e-cigarette or vaping products have been reported to the CDC from 48 states and 1 U.S. territory. Eighteen deaths have been confirmed in 15 states, not including the Massachusetts death reported today. All patients have reported a history of using e-cigarette or vaping products. No single product has been linked to all cases of vaping related lung injury. As a result of Massachusetts’ public health emergency, the Commonwealth implemented a statewide standing order for nicotine replacement products that allows people to access products like gum and patches as a covered benefit through their insurance without requiring an individual prescription, similar to what the Baker Administration did to increase access to naloxone, the opioid antidote. Individuals who are vaping are encouraged to call the Massachusetts Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit makingsmokinghistory.org or Mass.gov/QuitVaping to connect to treatment. Also, Massachusetts recently relaunched two public awareness campaigns, “Different Products, Same Danger” and “The New Look of Nicotine Addiction”, aimed at educating parents and middle and high school-aged youth about the dangers of vaping; the campaigns are appearing on social media channels and billboards statewide. More information on both campaigns is available at getoutraged.org. Materials are also available for download on the Massachusetts Health Promotion Clearinghouse website. DPH’s guidance for local boards of health, health care providers, and retailers can be found on its website at mass.gov/vapingemergency. https://www.mass.gov/news/department-of-public-health-reports-first-death-from-vaping-associated-lung-disease-to-us

Of the 121 suspected reports, 9 cases have been confirmed and 10 are probable for meeting the CDC’s definition of vaping-associated lung injury, nearly double the number of cases DPH reported a week ago to the CDC. At least 39 reports are for patients who have been ruled out as having vaping-associated lung injury. https://www.mass.gov/news/department-of-public-health-reports-first-death-from-vaping-associated-lung-disease-to-us

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today reported the state’s first death from a vaping-associated lung injury, a woman in her 60s from Hampshire County, to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She was among the 121 suspected cases that have been reported to DPH since September 11 when Massachusetts began mandating that clinicians immediately report any unexplained vaping-associated lung injury to the department. https://www.mass.gov/news/department-of-public-health-reports-first-death-from-vaping-associated-lung-disease-to-us

'I came very close to death': Vaping lands Texas A&M student in ICU By Nick Natario Tuesday, September 10, 2019 HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- As the CDC investigates a vaping epidemic, a Texas A&M student said he knows the dangers too well after e-cigarettes put him in the ICU. After a year and a half of vaping, Hunter Sims said he's finally had enough. "Don't do it right now," Sims said. "Not at all. It's horrible for you, and I came very close to death, and I'm lucky." Last week, he was rushed to the hospital. After spending days in the ICU, his family feared the worst. "They were very close to putting him on a ventilator," his mother Dawn Sims recalled. "He was not breathing well on his own. At one point one night, they put lots of ice packs on him to lower the temperature." Hunter isn't the only vaping case health officials are looking at. The Brazos County Health Department said it's investigating two suspected vaping cases. In the city of Houston, three cases have been confirmed. In all, more than 450 cases across the country has led the CDC to call this a "vaping epidemic." "There does not seem to be any antidote, any magic bullets to reverse this," said David Persse of the Houston Health Department. "It's supportive care, getting the patient through the critical period, and letting their body heal itself." Experts said this could be tied to THC being illegally added to vaping liquid, or vitamin E. They said parents should look for signs of fatigue and cold-like symptoms. They also added vaping is bruising lungs, which is something they've seen before with chemical leaks. "That's probably the closest thing that I could relate it to," Persse explained. "The difference is, when we have a chemical release, the neighbors and the people nearby who do have problems, they have it pretty quickly. This seems to take several days." Health experts said around 20 percent of high school seniors have experimented with vaping, which is something Sims wishes he never attempted. "It's almost every kid," Sims said. "It's an epidemic. It needs to stop. I think the FDA needs to crack down before this gets worse." E-cigarettes are regulated. The ingredients are tested, and minors can't buy them. In fact, just 10 days ago, the legal age to buy these products went from 18 to 21 years old in Texas. https://abc13.com/health/texas-a-m-student-said-e-cigarettes-landed-him-in-icu/5529514/

Sherie Canada This Texas mom wrote a candid testimonial about how her experience with vaping landed her in a medically-induced coma and nearly killed her after she contracted multifocal pneumonia, severe sepsis and acute respiratory failure with hypoxemia (ARDS). “I got very sick around June 9th with stomach flu like symptoms,” she wrote on Facebook on Sept. 6, 2019. “I couldn’t hold any fluids down, I took everything you could imagine over the counter, tried drinking fluids but couldn’t keep them down, I was severely dehydrated.” Days later, on June 12, 2019, she was rushed to the hospital with low oxygen and blood pressure levels. “[Doctors] did a cat scan and [it] showed my lungs were full of fluid and [my] blood [tested] positive for blood clots,” Canada said. “I was so scared but more than anything in so much pain.” Her condition continued to deteriorate, and on June 18, doctors made the decision to put her in a medically-induced coma. “I was absolutely terrified that I was never going to wake back up and see my boys, family or friends again! I remember leaning over to my mom telling her just how tired I was of fighting and just couldn’t fight no more,” she said. While she was sedated, doctors removed four liters of fluid from her lungs and she was brought out of the coma two days later. Canada was placed on a ventilator for three days afterwards and wrote that she “woke up a whole new woman with a whole new perspective in life.” She promised she would live life differently and “never take advantage of my lungs, a breath, again.” https://people.com/health/vaping-related-illness-stories/

Tryston Zohfeld Neither Zohfeld nor his parents knew just how severely damaged the Texas teen’s lungs were until they suddenly failed on July 26, 2019. “I woke up just throwing up everywhere, and my heart was beating out of my chest going 100 miles an hour,” Zohfeld told ABC affiliate WFAA. His family rushed him to the Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, where he was eventually hooked up to an oscillatory ventilator that kept him alive for 10 days while doctors searched for a diagnosis. It wasn’t until a family member revealed that Zohfeld had been vaping regularly since the 8th grade that doctors were able to connect the dots. Dr. Karen Schultz, a specialist in pediatrics and pulmonology, told WFAA that she believed the chemicals Zohfeld was inhaling from the vape pen caused his lungs to inflame to a point where they couldn’t exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide anymore. She added that his habit had scarred his lungs, according to CBS. After 18 days in the hospital, Zohfeld was able to go home. He believes he was “definitely given a second chance.” “This is really what could happen [from vaping] and it’s not something to look over,” he told WFAA. “They’re not as safe as you think.” His family has started a GoFundMe page to help with the costs of his hospital stay, and with his upcoming rehabilitation program. https://people.com/health/vaping-related-illness-stories/

Whitney Livingston After making the switch to vaping in order to try and quit cigarettes, the 17-year-old Texas teen decided to ditch both — but not soon enough. The night she put down her vape for good, Livingston started to run a fever that eventually developed into pneumonia in both lungs. Livingston was put on life support at Children’s Medical Center Dallas, where her mother, Jennifer Audas, told Fox 4 News on Sept. 10, “she could have almost died.” “The doctor said it looked like no pneumonia he’d ever seen,” she continued. Audas said at the time that there has been no major progress with her daughter’s condition, but she is showing some improvement. They are not sure what long-term damage she may have. https://people.com/health/vaping-related-illness-stories/

This thread will be used for Texas vaping victims.

Since June 2019, CDPH has received reports that 113 people in California who have a history of vaping were hospitalized for severe breathing problems and lung damage, and two people have died https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/Pages/Vaping-Health-Advisory.aspx

NH DHHS Reports First Vaping-Related Lung Injury By DHHS News Release 6 mins ago RECOMMENDTWEET EMAILPRINTMORE Wikimedia Commons Concord, NH – The first person with lung injury associated with e-cigarette use or “vaping” has been identified in New Hampshire after an investigation by the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS). The individual was an adult from Sullivan County, who developed respiratory symptoms and had chest imaging showing evidence of lung injury, consistent with other cases reported nationally. This person reported recent vaping of nicotine products. The individual was hospitalized but has since been discharged. DHHS has been working closely with healthcare providers and with the investigation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify individuals affected by vaping so we can better understand what is causing these preventable life threatening health complications. “Vaping-associated lung injury is a national problem, and unfortunately New Hampshire is the latest state to be included in the national outbreak investigation,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, NH State Epidemiologist. “The ongoing investigation into these illnesses has not yet identified a specific cause. And even though a majority of patients report vaping THC products, some have reported only vaping nicotine products. Until we have more information from the national investigation, no vaping is considered safe.” As of October 1, there are 1,080 lung injury cases reported from 48 states and 1 U.S. territory. Of these reported cases, eighteen deaths have been confirmed in 15 states. All reported patients have a history of e-cigarette/vaping product use. The majority (80%) are under 35 years old, and more than one-in-three (37%) are 20 years of age or younger, highlighting the significant impact this outbreak is having on our adolescents and young adults. The latest findings from the national investigation suggest products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) play a central role in the outbreak because the majority of affected individuals have reported THC vaping product use; however, a number of individuals have reported only nicotine e-cigarette use. The specific chemical exposure causing the lung injuries remains unknown at this time as no single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases. Symptoms of vaping-related lung injuries include cough, shortness of breath or chest pain. Some patients have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain. Other symptoms include fatigue and fever. Individuals who use e-cigarettes or vaping products and are experiencing any of these symptoms should ask their healthcare provider to check for lung injury. The CDC recommends not using e-cigarettes, or vaping products, particularly those containing THC. E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. Adults who use e-cigarettes because they have quit smoking should be offered FDA approved quit therapy, and should not return to smoking cigarettes. The DHHS Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program provides help quitting all tobacco and nicotine products by contacting Quit Now NH, online or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Teens can visit My Life, My Quit online, call or text 1-855-891-9989. http://indepthnh.org/2019/10/07/nh-dhhs-reports-first-vaping-related-lung-injury/

NH Department of Health and Human Services 129 Pleasant Street – Hugh Gallen State Office Park Concord, NH 03301 PRESS RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Public Information Office October 7, 2019 603-271-9389 or [email protected] NH DHHS Reports First Vaping-Related Lung Injury Concord, NH – The first person with lung injury associated with e-cigarette use or “vaping” has been identified in New Hampshire after an investigation by the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS). The individual was an adult from Sullivan County, who developed respiratory symptoms and had chest imaging showing evidence of lung injury, consistent with other cases reported nationally. This person reported recent vaping of nicotine products. The individual was hospitalized but has since been discharged. DHHS has been working closely with healthcare providers and with the investigation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to identify individuals affected by vaping so we can better understand what is causing these preventable life threatening health complications. “Vaping-associated lung injury is a national problem, and unfortunately New Hampshire is the latest state to be included in the national outbreak investigation,” said Dr. Benjamin Chan, NH State Epidemiologist. “The ongoing investigation into these illnesses has not yet identified a specific cause. And even though a majority of patients report vaping THC products, some have reported only vaping nicotine products. Until we have more information from the national investigation, no vaping is considered safe.” As of October 1, there are 1,080 lung injury cases reported from 48 states and 1 U.S. territory. Of these reported cases, eighteen deaths have been confirmed in 15 states. All reported patients have a history of e-cigarette/vaping product use. The majority (80%) are under 35 years old, and more than one-in-three (37%) are 20 years of age or younger, highlighting the significant impact this outbreak is having on our adolescents and young adults. The latest findings from the national investigation suggest products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) play a central role in the outbreak because the majority of affected individuals have reported THC vaping product use; however, a number of individuals have reported only nicotine e-cigarette use. The specific chemical exposure causing the lung injuries remains unknown at this time as no single product or substance has been linked to all lung injury cases. Symptoms of vaping-related lung injuries include cough, shortness of breath or chest pain. Some patients have also experienced gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal pain. Other symptoms include fatigue and fever. Individuals who use e-cigarettes or vaping products and are experiencing any of these symptoms should ask their healthcare provider to check for lung injury. The CDC recommends not using e-cigarettes, or vaping products, particularly those containing THC. E-cigarettes should not be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. Adults who use e-cigarettes because they have quit smoking should be offered FDA approved quit therapy, and should not return to smoking cigarettes. The DHHS Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program provides help quitting all tobacco and nicotine products by contacting Quit Now NH, online or by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Teens can visit My Life, My Quit online, call or text 1-855-891-9989.

Concord, NH – The first person with lung injury associated with e-cigarette use or “vaping” has been identified in New Hampshire after an investigation by the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services (DPHS). The individual was an adult from Sullivan County, who developed respiratory symptoms and had chest imaging showing evidence of lung injury, consistent with other cases reported nationally. This person reported recent vaping of nicotine products. The individual was hospitalized but has since been discharged.

New York State Department of Health Announces Update on Investigation into Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Illnesses Department Warns Against Use of Black Market Vaping Products Lab Test Results Show High Levels of Vitamin E Acetate, Now Focus of Investigation ALBANY, N.Y. (September 5, 2019) - The New York State Department of Health today announced new findings of its ongoing investigation into the vaping-associated pulmonary (lung-related) illnesses that have been reported across the state, including an updated case count and information regarding the testing being conducted at the Department's Wadsworth Center Laboratory. "The cases of pulmonary illnesses associated with vaping are continuing to rise across New York State and the country," said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. "We urge the public to be vigilant about any vaping products that they or any family members may be using and to immediately contact their health care provider if they develop any unusual symptoms. In general, vaping of unknown substances is dangerous, and we continue to explore all options to combat this public health issue." The Department issued a health advisory in August, alerting health care providers of this emerging health threat and listing symptoms they should look for in patients. As of September 5, 2019, the Department has received 34 reports from New York State physicians of severe pulmonary illness among patients ranging from 15 to 46 years of age who were using at least one cannabis-containing vape product before they became ill. However, all patients reported recent use of various vape products. Laboratory test results showed very high levels of vitamin E acetate in nearly all cannabis-containing samples analyzed by the Wadsworth Center as part of this investigation. At least one vitamin E acetate containing vape product has been linked to each patient who submitted a product for testing. Vitamin E acetate is not an approved additive for New York State Medical Marijuana Program-authorized vape products and was not seen in the nicotine-based products that were tested. As a result, vitamin E acetate is now a key focus of the Department's investigation of potential causes of vaping-associated pulmonary illnesses. Vitamin E acetate is a commonly available nutritional supplement that is not known to cause harm when ingested as a vitamin supplement or applied to the skin. However, the Department continues to investigate its health effects when inhaled because its oil-like properties could be associated with the observed symptoms. The Wadsworth Center is testing both cannabis and nicotine-containing vape products as part of this investigation and continues testing the purity of New York's approved medical marijuana products. More than a dozen product samples, in some cases multiple samples from a single product, from patients reporting symptoms have been tested. These samples have been tested for a range of substances, including THC and other cannabis-derived cannabinoids, nicotine, synthetic cannabinoids, opioids and pesticides. Products tested include a variety of labels and packaging. Many are suspected to be counterfeits of recreational cannabis-containing vape products available in other states. Pictures of some of the products that have been found to contain vitamin E acetate can be seen here. Anyone using vape products should never use unregulated products purchased "off the street." Cannabis-containing products are not legally available in New York State for recreational use. These unregulated products are not tested and may contain harmful substances. Users of vape products should never modify vape products or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer. The Department of Health advises people who are not certified patients in the New York State Medical Marijuana Program to consider not using any vape products. E-cigarettes are not an FDA-approved smoking cessation product. Most adult smokers want to quit, and individuals who smoke or use other tobacco products can improve their chances of quitting for good with treatment from their health care provider and by using FDA-approved medications.To learn more, talk to your health care provider, or call or visit the New York State Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS. Anyone experiencing symptoms who uses vape products should contact their healthcare provider immediately.Healthcare providers should report possible cases to the local poison control center (1-800-222-1222). Patients using vape products reported a variety of symptoms, developing over a period of days to weeks, including: Pulmonary symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) Fatigue Fever Headache Weight loss For more information, visit: https://health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/.

New York State Department of Health Announces Update on Investigation into Vaping-Associated Pulmonary Illnesses Department Warns Against Use of Black Market Vaping Products Lab Test Results Show High Levels of Vitamin E Acetate, Now Focus of Investigation https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2019/2019-09-05_vaping.htm

Was the diagnosis AFIF or AFib?

Quebec has reported its 1st case of severe lung disease linked to vaping, the provincial health ministry has confirmed.A man in his 50s who started vaping in April [2019] developed chest pain and had trouble breathing. However, the man has since recovered, Dr. Mylene Drouin of the Montreal Public Health Department told reporters at a news conference on Friday [27 Sep 2019]. He chose to vape as a means to stop smoking.The Quebec case is the 2nd to be reported thus far in Canada. On [18 Sep 2019] a high-school student from London, Ontario, was placed temporarily on life support after using e-cigarettes but was later released from hospital, according to the local health authority in the province.Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec's top public health officer, reiterated the risks associated with vaping at Friday's news conference. "Following the confirmation of this 1st case in Quebec, it is necessary to reiterate the importance of remaining vigilant," Arruda said in a statement."People with health concerns should tell their health-care professional if they are vaping or have been vaping, as well as the devices and substances used. Every case is taken seriously and the Health Ministry continues to monitor developments in Quebec closely."In a [10 Sep 2019] warning, Arruda urged young people, pregnant women and non-smokers to refrain from using electronic cigarettes. "It is important to remember vaping is not without risk, and its long-term effects are not yet known," Arruda said at the time. "In this context, the population is encouraged to be vigilant."On [4 Sep 2019], Health Canada issued a statement about a possible link between the use of vaping products and cases of a potentially deadly pulmonary disease in the USA.The American Medical Association on Monday [23 Sep 2019] advised US residents to stop vaping of any sort until scientists gain a better understanding of the cause of more than 530 lung illnesses and at least 12 deaths they believe are related to the use of the products.Once activated, the e-cigarette heats a liquid to turn it into an aerosol, allowing vaping. Unlike conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes do not involve combustion or tobacco. Most liquids in e-cigarettes contain nicotine, propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, as well as artificial flavours. Several other chemical components can be found in the liquids or in the aerosol.E-cigarettes are also known by other names like mods, pods, vaping pens, sub-ohm, tank devices, electronic nicotine inhaler and vape.The Quebec health ministry has noted in some of the cases, people had used vaping products that contained cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)."It should be noted that products from illegal or unregulated sources are particularly avoidable, as they carry additional risks," the ministry added. "Vaping devices and liquids should also not be modified or used in a manner not intended by the manufacturer."Should authorities identify a clearly noxious substance in the products shown to be responsible for severe lung disease, a ban could be enforced, but no decision has been reached. Last week [24 Sep 2019], the state of Massachusetts announced a 4-month ban on vaping products.[Byline: Aaron Derfel] https://www.promedmail.org/post/20190928.6699608

A high-school-aged youth from London, Ont. was on life support because of using e-cigarettes but has since been released according to the Middlesex-London Health Unit in London, Ont. The unit says it was notified of the youth with severe respiratory illness last last week. https://montrealgazette.com/cannabis-health/cannabis-medical/vaping-related-illness-sends-youth-to-hospital-in-london-ont-reportedly-first-case-in-canada/wcm/b6d398c5-28c1-4a22-875a-304805e64bca

The Middlesex-London Health Unit will hold a news conference this afternoon, Wednesday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m. as part of its involvement in the case of a youth who has been diagnosed with severe respiratory illness that has been linked to the individual’s use of vaping products. https://www.healthunit.com/news/media-advisory-respiratory-illness-linked-to-vaping

Thread started for vaping cases in Ontario, Canada

Quebec has reported its 1st case of severe lung disease linked to vaping, the provincial health ministry has confirmed.A man in his 50s who started vaping in April [2019] developed chest pain and had trouble breathing. However, the man has since recovered, Dr. Mylene Drouin of the Montreal Public Health Department told reporters at a news conference on Friday [27 Sep 2019]. He chose to vape as a means to stop smoking.The Quebec case is the 2nd to be reported thus far in Canada. On [18 Sep 2019] a high-school student from London, Ontario, was placed temporarily on life support after using e-cigarettes but was later released from hospital, according to the local health authority in the province.Dr. Horacio Arruda, Quebec's top public health officer, reiterated the risks associated with vaping at Friday's news conference. "Following the confirmation of this 1st case in Quebec, it is necessary to reiterate the importance of remaining vigilant," Arruda said in a statement."People with health concerns should tell their health-care professional if they are vaping or have been vaping, as well as the devices and substances used. Every case is taken seriously and the Health Ministry continues to monitor developments in Quebec closely."In a [10 Sep 2019] warning, Arruda urged young people, pregnant women and non-smokers to refrain from using electronic cigarettes. "It is important to remember vaping is not without risk, and its long-term effects are not yet known," Arruda said at the time. "In this context, the population is encouraged to be vigilant."On [4 Sep 2019], Health Canada issued a statement about a possible link between the use of vaping products and cases of a potentially deadly pulmonary disease in the USA.The American Medical Association on Monday [23 Sep 2019] advised US residents to stop vaping of any sort until scientists gain a better understanding of the cause of more than 530 lung illnesses and at least 12 deaths they believe are related to the use of the products.Once activated, the e-cigarette heats a liquid to turn it into an aerosol, allowing vaping. Unlike conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes do not involve combustion or tobacco. Most liquids in e-cigarettes contain nicotine, propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin, as well as artificial flavours. Several other chemical components can be found in the liquids or in the aerosol.E-cigarettes are also known by other names like mods, pods, vaping pens, sub-ohm, tank devices, electronic nicotine inhaler and vape.The Quebec health ministry has noted in some of the cases, people had used vaping products that contained cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)."It should be noted that products from illegal or unregulated sources are particularly avoidable, as they carry additional risks," the ministry added. "Vaping devices and liquids should also not be modified or used in a manner not intended by the manufacturer."Should authorities identify a clearly noxious substance in the products shown to be responsible for severe lung disease, a ban could be enforced, but no decision has been reached. Last week [24 Sep 2019], the state of Massachusetts announced a 4-month ban on vaping products.[Byline: Aaron Derfel] https://www.promedmail.org/post/20190928.6699608

A high-school-aged youth from London, Ont. was on life support because of using e-cigarettes but has since been released according to the Middlesex-London Health Unit in London, Ont. The unit says it was notified of the youth with severe respiratory illness last last week. https://montrealgazette.com/cannabis-health/cannabis-medical/vaping-related-illness-sends-youth-to-hospital-in-london-ont-reportedly-first-case-in-canada/wcm/b6d398c5-28c1-4a22-875a-304805e64bca

The Middlesex-London Health Unit will hold a news conference this afternoon, Wednesday, September 18th at 2:00 p.m. as part of its involvement in the case of a youth who has been diagnosed with severe respiratory illness that has been linked to the individual’s use of vaping products. https://www.healthunit.com/news/media-advisory-respiratory-illness-linked-to-vaping