More than three-quarters of the victims hit by the vaping illness currently sweeping the US used THC products, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The CDC’s investigation into lung injuries linked to e-cigarette use suggests THC products have played a role in the outbreak, which has killed at least 12 so far.
A total of 77% reported using products containing THC according to CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
A press release states that the investigation is ongoing and the cause remains unknown at this time, but today’s report provides the first national comprehensive data on the characteristics of cases reported to the CDC, including sex, age, and select substances used in e-cigarette or vaping products.
Robert R. Redfield, director of the CDC, said: “The CDC is committed to finding out what is causing this outbreak of lung injury and death among individuals using vaping products.
“We continue to work with the FDA and state partners to protect the nation from this serious health threat.”
The CDC is now recommending people refrain from using vaping products, particularly those containing THC.
A total of 16% of patients reported exclusive use of nicotine-containing products.
Data from Illinois and Wisconsin showed that nearly all THC-containing products reported were packaged, pre-filled cartridges that were primarily acquired from informal sources such as friends, family members, illicit dealers, or off the street.
As of September 24, 805 confirmed and probable cases of lung injury associated with e-cigarette product use or vaping have been reported to the CDC by 46 states and the US Virgin Islands.
Those cases included 12 deaths in 10 states.
