Vaping and Its Hazards

The first death believed to be linked to vaping (electronic cigarettes or smoking devices) occurred in Illinois in August 2019. As of October 2019, the death toll is up to 18.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently identified at least 1,800 cases of lung disease linked to vaping in 49 states.

Various state health departments have reported clusters of severe respiratory illness in teens and young adults with a recent history of vaping or dabbing (vaping marijuana oils, extracts, or concentrates).

Primary symptoms include:

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fever

Other symptoms include weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Chest X-rays revealed opaque areas in the lungs and pneumonia. Symptoms worsened, resulting in hospital admission and administration of oxygen.

Much is unknown about the potential dangers of vaping. It's not known what vape product(s) or chemicals may be linked to these illnesses, or where they were obtained.

For more information, including how to know if your child may be vaping, visit the Indiana State Department of Health's E-Cigarette Resources page HERE.

Read THIS ARTICLE about one young man's near-death experience from vaping.