October saw yet another continued increase in the reported number of suspected vape-related illnesses and deaths around the U.S. as the Centers for Disease Control ordered an increase in its vaping product testing.
Increases in reports of those afflicted by "vaping illness," yet no cause determined
Despite more than a month's worth of testing, the CDC has not yet been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the "vaping illness" appearing in individuals in close to 40 states across the country, according to Reuters.
So far, there have been nearly 1,500 cases and 33 deaths nationwide attributed to the mysterious illness – initially suspected to be the result of clandestine THC products found to contain vitamin E acetate used as a cutting agent, the news wire service reported.
Testing aerosols produced by vaping devices, rather than products "as-is"
Now, federal officials will begin testing the aerosols or "clouds" produced by vaping devices, rather than just the products themselves out-of-the-box. Those who vape at more than the test's recommended minimum level were recently found to have experienced lung inflammation after a month of usage, compared to those who vaped at or below the recommended minimum, according to Insider.com.
Testing of vaping systems and vape "juices" containing nicotine, THC and CBD for any harmful ingredients, drugs or unspecified byproducts has been primarily conducted in a facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, under the direction of the Food and Drug Administration, according to a USA Today report. Prior to the FDA's efforts, a marijuana testing lab in Framingham, Massachusetts began testing THC products for vitamin E acetate, among others, according to MassLive. Subsequent testing has revealed the presence of the substance in many samples, but has not confirmed whether or not it is the cause of the illness.
"Sample results to date have not identified a single substance associated with all illnesses, the FDA confirmed in early October 2019, referring to the ongoing testing work as "critical" to determining the cause of the reported vaping illness.
