New York Running Totals

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Total reported patients statewide: 93 (Updated: 9/24/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 24
• Central New York: 9
• Capital Region: 14
• Northern New York: 1
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 21
• New York City: 21
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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Pulmonary Illness Associated with Black Market Vaping Products

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has received numerous reports from New York State physicians of severe pulmonary (lung-related) illness among patients ranging from 14 to 69 years of age who were using at least one cannabis-containing vape product prior to becoming ill.

Laboratory test results show very high levels of vitamin E acetate in nearly all cannabis-containing samples analyzed by New York State’s Wadsworth Laboratory as part of this investigation. At least one vitamin E acetate containing vape product has been linked to each patient that submitted a product for testing.

Anyone using vape products and experiencing symptoms including shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fever, nausea or vomiting should contact their health care provider immediately. Health care providers should report possible cases to their local poison control center (1-800-222-1222).

People should never use products purchased “off the street” because they may contain unknown and harmful ingredients. Cannabis-containing products are not legally available in New York State for recreational use.

New York State Press Releases:

• Governor Cuomo and Health Commissioner Zucker Issue Renewed Warning as Vaping-Associated Illnesses Continue to Climb Nationwide (9/20/2019)
• Governor Cuomo Announces New York State Implements First-in-the-Nation Ban on Flavored E-Cigarettes (9/17/2019)
• Governor Cuomo Takes Aggressive Action to Protect New Yorkers from Harmful and Addictive Vaping Products Following Rise in Vaping-Associated Illnesses Nationwide (9/9/19)
• New York State Health Commissioner Issues Guidance on Vaping-Associated Illnesses (9/7/19)
• New York State Department of Health Announces Update on Investigation Into Vaping Associated Pulmonary Illness (9/5/19)

For the Public: What You Need to Know (CDC)

Health Care Providers and State and Local Health Departments:

• New York State Health Advisory: Update Unexplained Vaping-associated Pulmonary Illness (9/20/19)
• New York State Health Advisory: Unexplained Vaping-associated Pulmonary Illness (8/15/19)
• Outbreak of Lung Disease Associated with E-Cigarette Use or Vaping (CDC)
• Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) (CDC)
• Health Alert Network (CDC)

Link to Black Market Vaping Product Pictures

• Vaping Can Expose You to Toxic Chemicals and Kill You! Poster (PDF)

Total reported patients statewide: 93 (Updated: 9/24/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 24
• Central New York: 9
• Capital Region: 14
• Northern New York: 1
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 21
• New York City: 21
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

Electronic cigarettes and similar vapor products are tobacco products.¹ Most contain a battery that heats a flavored liquid, usually containing nicotine, into an aerosol users inhale. The liquid is often called e-liquid or e-juice. E-liquids usually contain nicotine and flavorings in a base of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). Nicotine is highly addictive and harms brain development. Some flavorings, such as diacetyl, can cause serious disease. PG and VG are generally recognized as safe to eat but inhaling them can irritate the eyes, nose and throat and make it hard to breathe.

Some other names for electronic cigarettes are:

• e-cigarettes, e-smokes, e-cigs and cigalikes;
• vapes, personal vaporizers (PVs) and advanced personal vaporizers (APVs);
• mods, pod mods, pod vape devices, vape mods and box mods;
• wop machines;
• pens and vape pens; and
• electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

Other electronic vaping products that that use e-liquids include e-cigars, e-pipes and hookah pens (e-hookah).

The top-selling e-cigarette brand is a USB-shaped device called JUUL. News outlets and social media sites report widespread use of JUUL by students in schools, including in classrooms and bathrooms. All JUUL e-cigarettes have a high level of nicotine. Similar products are available.

Use of an e-cigarette is often called "vaping" or "JUULing."

Who Is Using E-cigarettes and Why?

Youth and young adults are the primary users of e-cigarettes.^1,2 High school students use e-cigarettes at rates five times higher than adults over age 25.^3,4 Youth and young adults say their reasons for trying and using e-cigarettes are flavor and taste, curiosity and the belief that they are less harmful than other tobacco products.¹

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. Currently, e-cigarettes are not as strictly regulated as cigarettes. Except for menthol, the FDA does not allow cigarettes to contain flavored tobacco. This is not the case for e-cigarettes. E-cigarette companies know youth are attracted to many of the over 15,000 e-liquid flavors. Some of the sweet and fruity flavors that appeal to young people are cereal and milk, mango, cherry cola, bubblegum, crème, chocolate mint, blueberry cheesecake and fruit punch.

Nicotine is Addictive and Dangerous for Youth and Young Adults

Most e-liquids contain nicotine, the highly addictive chemical in all tobacco products. Nicotine is harmful for young people.¹ Nicotine can harm the developing brain of adolescents and young adults, which can:

• lead to lower impulse control and mood disorders;
• disrupt attention and learning among youth and young adults; and
• prime the developing brain for addiction to alcohol and other drugs, such as cocaine.¹

E-cigarette Aerosol is Harmful

The e-cigarette aerosol users inhale and exhale is not harmless water vapor. Some e-liquids are advertised as nicotine free, but this may not be true. With or without nicotine, e-cigarette aerosol is unsafe. E-cigarette aerosol can contain:

• fine and ultrafine toxic particles that can interfere with the growth and work of the lungs and increase the risk of heart disease, lung cancer and asthma attacks;
• heavy metals such as lead, tin and nickel;
• chemicals used for flavoring such as diacetyl that can cause a serious lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans; and
• volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause long-term health effects including cancer.¹

Many of the chemicals found in cigarette smoke are also found in e-cigarette aerosol. They include:

• formaldehyde, also found in embalming fluid;^1,7
• cadmium, used in batteries;^1,8
• benzene, found in gasoline;^1,9 and
• toluene, an industrial solvent.^1,10

E-cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults is a Major Public Health Concern

• Youth use e-cigarettes more than cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco and hookah.³
• Almost five times as many high school students in New York State use e-cigarettes than smoke cigarettes.³
• The New York State smoking rate among youth is at a record low (4.3%), but their e-cigarette use doubled between 2014 and 2016 (from 10.5% to 20.6%).³
• Few high school students say they plan to try smoking, but increasing numbers are open to trying e-cigarettes.⁵
• More than half of teens believe nondaily e-cigarette use causes little or some harm.¹
• Of young people who use e-cigarettes, a third falsely believe nondaily e-cigarette use is harmless.¹
• E-cigarette use does not prevent from smoking. Adolescents and young adults who use e-cigarettes are at increased risk for starting smoking and continuing to smoke.^1,6
• More than half of high school students and young adults who smoke cigarettes also use e-cigarettes (called dual use).¹

What New York State is Doing to Protect Youth from Nicotine Addiction

Almost all adults addicted to nicotine started smoking or using other tobacco products in their teens. Nearly 9 out of 10 adult smokers started smoking by age 18, and 99 percent started by age 26.¹¹

New York State's strong laws and programs protect youth from accessing tobacco products and denormalize tobacco use to prevent lifelong addiction, illness and early death.

As of November 22, 2017, e-cigarettes and similar devices are included in the state's Clean Indoor Air Act, which prohibits their use and tobacco smoking in virtually all indoor public areas, including workplaces, bars and restaurants.

State law also prohibits the use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes on the grounds of all public and private pre-schools, nursery schools, and elementary and secondary schools as well as in school vehicles used to transport children or school personnel.

E-cigarettes are not Proven to Help People Quit Smoking

Most youth and young adults do not report using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.¹

Most adult smokers want to quit.¹² Every year, more than half of smokers quit for at least one day as an attempt to stop smoking.^12,13 But, highly addictive nicotine makes it hard to quit for good, and fewer than one in 10 smokers successfully quits for good.¹² Some smokers have heard that e-cigarettes can help them quit. Researchers are investigating if substituting e-cigarettes for cigarettes may help adults quit smoking, but this is unproven.^14,15

E-cigarettes are not an FDA-approved smoking cessation product. However, the FDA has approved seven products proven to help smokers quit:

• Five nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs):
  • patch (available over-the-counter and by prescription for Medicaid enrollees)
  • gum (available over-the-counter and by prescription for Medicaid enrollees)
  • lozenge (available over-the-counter and by prescription for Medicaid enrollees)
  • nasal spray (by prescription)
  • inhaler (by prescription); and
• Two non-nicotine oral medicines:
  • varenicline tartrate, brand name Chantix® (by prescription)
  • bupropion hydrochloride, brand names Zyban® and Wellbutrin® (by prescription).¹⁴

People who smoke or use other tobacco products can improve their chances of quitting for good with treatment from their health care provider.¹³ Treatment that includes brief counseling and FDA-approved medication can double or triple the chances of permanently quitting.¹⁵ To learn more, talk to your health care provider. For additional assistance, call or visit the New York State Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS (1-866-697-8487).

E-cigarette Infographics and Fact Sheets

• Vaping Can Expose You to toxic Chemicals and Kill You! Poster (PDF)
• Teachers and Parents: That USB Stick Might Be an E-cigarette (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• E-cigarettes Shaped Like USB Flash Drives: Information for Parents, Educators and Health Care Providers (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Electronic Cigarettes: What's the bottom line? (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Cigarrillos electrónicos ¿Cuál es la conclusión? (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

For More Information about E-cigarettes

• Know the Risks – E-cigarettes & Young People (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
• The Real Cost (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
• Smokefree Teen – E-Cigarettes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)
• E-Cigarettes and Young People: A Public Health Concern (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Electronic Cigarettes (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• The Flavor Trap: How Tobacco Companies are Luring Kids with Candy-Flavored E-cigarettes and Cigars. (American Academy of Pediatrics, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, American Lung Association and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids)
• Youth Cigarette Use at All-Time Low, ENDS Use Doubles (New York State Department of Health)
• Openness to Smoking Conventional Cigarettes and Openness to Using Electronic Cigarettes and Similar Devices among NYS Youth (New York State Department of Health)
• Use of Electronic Cigarettes and Similar Devices among NYS Youth, 2014‐2016 (New York State Department of Health)

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Total reported patients statewide: 96 (Updated: 9/27/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 27
• Central New York: 9
• Capital Region: 15
• Northern New York: 1
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 21
• New York City: 20
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

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Total reported patients statewide: 101 (Updated: 10/1/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 28
• Central New York: 9
• Capital Region: 18
• Northern New York: 1
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 22
• New York City: 20
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

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Total reported patients statewide: 102 (Updated: 10/2/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 28
• Central New York: 9
• Capital Region: 18
• Northern New York: 1
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 23
• New York City: 20
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

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Total reported patients statewide: 108 (Updated: 10/4/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 28
• Central New York: 9
• Capital Region: 20
• Northern New York: 1
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 27
• New York City: 20
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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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

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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/.

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Total reported patients statewide: 110 (Updated: 10/7/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 28
• Central New York: 10
• Capital Region: 20
• Northern New York: 1
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 27
• New York City: 21
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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Peter Haskell

 

@peterhaskell880

·

42s

 

NY has its first vaping death. Gov Cuomo says 17yr old from the Bronx has died. Cuomo says worst case, vaping kills, best case you’re hooked on nicotine for life.

@wcbs880

 

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The death, involving a 17-year-old male from the Bronx, was reported to the State Department of Health today. According to DOH, the deceased was previously hospitalized in early September with a vaping-associated respiratory illness. He was re-admitted in late September and passed away on October 4. As of October 8, DOH has received 110 reports from New York physicians of severe pulmonary illness among patients ranging from 14 to 69 years of age who were using at least one vape product prior to becoming ill. 

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-rush-transcript-governor-cuomo-comments-first-vaping-related-death-new-york-state

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Total reported patients statewide: 114 (Updated: 10/8/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 29
• Central New York: 10
• Capital Region: 20
• Northern New York: 2
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 27
• New York City: 23
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state

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Total reported patients statewide: 120 (Updated: 10/10/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 31
• Central New York: 12
• Capital Region: 20
• Northern New York: 2
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 28
• New York City: 24
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

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Total reported patients statewide: 123 (Updated: 10/11/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 31
• Central New York: 12
• Capital Region: 20
• Northern New York: 2
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 30
• New York City: 25
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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Total reported patients statewide: 125 (Updated: 10/15/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 31
• Central New York: 13
• Capital Region: 20
• Northern New York: 2
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 31
• New York City: 25
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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Total reported patients statewide: 128 (Updated: 10/18/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 31
• Central New York: 13
• Capital Region: 21
• Northern New York: 2
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 32
• New York City: 26
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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Total reported patients statewide: 146 (Updated: 10/22/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 33
• Central New York: 13
• Capital Region: 25
• Northern New York: 4
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 37
• New York City: 31
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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Total reported patients statewide: 156 (Updated: 10/29/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 36
• Central New York: 14
• Capital Region: 27
• Northern New York: 5
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 35
• New York City: 36
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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Total reported patients statewide: 165 (Updated: 11/5/2019)

Breakdown of reported patients by region:

• Western New York: 36
• Central New York: 17
• Capital Region: 29
• Northern New York: 5
• Metropolitan Region (outside of NYC): 38
• New York City: 37
• Out of State: 3*

*Patients treated at hospitals in NYS but are residents of another state.

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/

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https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/docs/vapireport.pdf

vapNY110419.pdf

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"The Department of Health has confirmed the second death due to a vaping-associated illness in New York - a male in his 30's from Manhattan with a reported history of using e-cigarettes and vape products. Based on an investigation and medical record review, DOH has determined the death to be vaping related. DOH is continuing its robust investigation into the cause of these illnesses, but in the meantime our message on vaping remains unchanged: if you don't know what you're smoking, don't smoke it.

"We are taking every step possible to combat this crisis on the state level, but the federal government needs to take action now. President Trump has already backed down from his vow to ban the sale of most flavored e-cigarettes - despite widespread evidence that these flavors are used to target our teens and young adults - and put the interests of the vaping industry over the lives of Americans. This is Big Tobacco all over again. Make no mistake: this is a public health crisis and until our 'leaders' in Washington do something to stop it, more lives will be lost."

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-andrew-m-cuomo-second-new-york-state-death-vaping-associated-illness