US Vaping-Related Lung Illness Update: Cases Surpass 1,000

The result has been a significant increase in the use of e-cigarette products, especially among teenagers and young people. In 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized a rule that expanded its authority to regulate all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, and its impact is still in play today.

Below, we look at how U.S. health officials and the e-cigarette industry have tried to adapt to a rapidly changing regulatory environment over the past year.

October 28, 2019-Juul has announced it will lay off 500 jobs as the death toll from e-cigarette-related lung diseases rises to 34

The Wall Street Journal quoted sources as saying that Juul will lay off 500 people by the end of this year. The CDC said there had been 34 deaths and 1604 lung injury cases as of October 22.

October 17, 2019-Death toll reaches 33, with most cases blamed on THC

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on October 17 that as of October 15, 33 people have died and 1479 cases of lung injury have been reported in 24 states in the United States. Lung injury cases occur in every state except Alaska and the District of Colombia.

Most cases are believed to be related to e-cigarette products containing THC, especially those purchased on the street or from illegal dealers.

According to CNBC, a CDC official said in a speech to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on October 16 that the disease is or may be fatal, and half of those cases require intensive care. The report quoted CDC chief deputy director Anne Schuchat as saying that as the flu season approaches, EVALI, or lung damage caused by the use of e-cigarettes or e-cigarette products, is becoming increasingly serious.

October 9, 2019-Washington state reportedly bans the sale of flavored e-cigarette products

Two weeks after Gov. Jay Inslee requested emergency rules in an executive order, the Washington State Health Board has reportedly voted to temporarily ban the sale of e-cigarette products with nicotine and THC. Q13Fox reported that the board voted unanimously that the ban will take effect this week and last for four months.

The Washington Department of Health did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

October 7, 2019-Massachusetts reports its first e-cigarette-related death; the number of deaths across the United States reaches 18

Health officials in Massachusetts report that a 60-year-old woman has died of lung disease related to e-cigarettes. According to the Boston Globe, this was the first e-cigarette-related death in the state. The Department of Public Health is still investigating what products she used and where they came from. The woman's identity was not disclosed to the public.

As of October 1, the CDC reported 18 deaths in 15 states.

September 27, 2019-San Joaquin County launches investigation into Juul; FDA Commissioner releases tweet about e-cigarette investigation

Tori Verber Salazar, District Attorney for San Joaquin County near the San Francisco Bay Area, told CNET that her office has launched an investigation into e-cigarette giant Juul because too many minors are using the company's products. She said a quarter of high school students are now using e-cigarettes, and mentioned that a minor's lungs were the same as those of a 70-year-old man.

Verber Salazar said Juul markets it to young people through its colorful advertisements and interesting tastes. She added that the company is based on the damage to the heart, lungs and brain due to its highly addictive narcotics on young people. She called Juul's actions organized criminal activity and said her office would investigate civil and criminal actions against the company, including potential class-action lawsuits.

A company spokesperson said in an emailed statement Friday afternoon that Juul agreed with Verber Salazar 's concerns about young people's smoking. The spokesperson added: We welcome the opportunity to work together and share information about our commitment to eliminating combustible cigarettes and our proactive, industry-leading actions to combat youth use. rdquo; He noted that Juul has closed its social media accounts and stopped selling flavored cigarette liquids.

FDA Commissioner Ned Sharpless also spoke on Friday, saying that e-cigarette investigations are a top priority for the FDA, CDC and state and local health organizations. Sharpless tweeted: We are working to find out what makes people sick and follow the source of the supply chain. The FDA is prepared to make full use of our authority based on the facts discovered.& rdquo;

CDC's latest investigation suggests THC products played a role in the outbreak. The CDC report found that of the 514 patients surveyed, 77 percent used THC-containing products, 36 percent used THC-only e-cigarettes, and 16 percent used nicotine-only e-cigarettes.

September 26, 2019-Lung cases related to e-cigarettes reach 805, with at least 12 known deaths, the CDC said

According to the latest information from the CDC, the number of mysterious lung disease cases attributed to e-cigarettes has surged 52% in the past week, bringing the total number of cases to 805. So far, 12 people have died in 46 states.

The death toll includes two in California, two in Kansas, and one each in Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi and Oregon. The median age of the patients was 23 years old, and two-thirds of the patients were male.

September 25, 2019-Juul CEO resigns and the e-cigarette company stops all U.S. advertising

Kevin Burns, who co-founded Juul, will be replaced by KC Crosthwaite, chief executive of tobacco company Altria. Juul also said it would suspend all radio, print and digital advertising in the United States and promised to ban proposals lobbying the Trump administration to ban flavored e-cigarettes.

September 24, 2019-California warns of sudden lung damage”

The California Department of Public Health has issued a health advisory warning citizens that using any product may pose a public health risk. The department said it has received reports from 90 people in California who have been hospitalized since June with serious breathing problems and lung damage related to e-cigarettes.

The state's public health department said two people died in California. The agency also added that everyone should stop using e-cigarettes regardless of the substance or source. The health department said e-cigarettes appeared to cause sudden lung damage. Symptoms that may be related to e-cigarettes include cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and weight loss.

According to the health department, teenagers and young people account for nearly half of hospitalizations. 30% of patients hospitalized in California receive mechanical ventilators in the intensive care unit-in other words, they receive life support.

September 20, 2019-Wal-Mart stops selling e-cigarettes

According to CNBC's latest report, Wal-Mart cited the regulatory complexity and uncertainty of e-cigarettes and said it would stop selling the product. Earlier this year, the company raised the age for purchasing tobacco products to 21 and stopped selling fruits and nicotine flavors.

September 19, 2019-The FDA announces that the number of lung disease cases has risen to 530

CDC health officials said the number of cases of e-cigarette-related lung disease has risen to 530 in 38 states. The FDA disclosed an outbreak of the disease. So far, seven people have died from the disease. The FDA has collected more than 150 samples from patients across the country and is currently analyzing them for other substances.

September 16, 2019-Washington State has confirmed three cases of serious lung disease related to e-cigarettes

The Washington State Health Department has confirmed two new cases of serious lung disease related to e-cigarettes, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the state to three. Of the two new cases, one patient was only in his teens and the other was in his 20s. Although the investigation is still ongoing, the department has not yet identified common products, devices or additives among the three.

Washington State Health Officer Kathy Lofy said the symptoms of these patients are related to the CDC's request for a national survey in all state and local health jurisdictions. This is a nationwide outbreak.& rdquo;

September 12, 2019-Photos of severe lung injury appear and Juul continues to run ads despite FDA warnings

A collection of photos obtained by Business Insider from doctors and researchers shows that this is believed to be a serious consequence of lung damage associated with e-cigarettes. The images include photos of California teenagers. Other photos illustrate patterns the researchers noticed, including inflammation, alveolar damage and fat particles in lung tissue. The article quoted surgeons as saying they could not confirm that the injury and illness must have been caused by e-cigarettes.

Despite the FDA's warning letter last week, a spokesman for Juul told CNBC that the company will continue its Make the Switch advertising campaign, which positions e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to cigarettes. CNBC said the company must obtain FDA approval before asserting that the product is safer than cigarettes, but has not yet submitted an application.

September 9, 2019-The FDA expresses concern over Juul's claim that e-cigarettes are safer than other tobacco products

In some questionable marketing activities, the FDA has expressed concern about Juul's claim that e-cigarettes are safer than other tobacco products. To make matters worse, high school students claimed before testifying before Congress that a company representative told them Juul was absolutely safe.

September 6, 2019-Two more deaths and CDC warning

Minnesota health officials have confirmed that a 65-year-old man died in August after a lengthy hospitalization for a long-term lung injury. The person had a history of underlying lung disease, but the lung damage was related to illegal THC products of e-cigarettes. ABC5 reported on Friday that lung damage has developed into other diseases. The Minnesota Department of Health told the station that 17 patients in the state have so far been confirmed as confirmed or possible cases. Another 15 cases are under investigation.

The CDC also issued a statement about its investigation and said it had not determined that any product was linked to all lung diseases. Many patients reported recent use of THC-containing products, while some patients reported using products containing both THC and nicotine.

Illinois Senator Dick Durbin wrote a tweet to Ned Sharpless, acting director of the FDA's Bureau of Management, asking for action. Durbin said the FDA should send letters to all schools in the United States warning them of the health consequences related to e-cigarettes. He also called on the agency to ban e-cigarette flavors other than tobacco and ban e-cigarette devices that are not approved by the FDA.

“If Dr. Sharpless does not take any action in the next 10 days, I plan to call for his resignation. rdquo; Durbin tweeted saying
 

September 5, 2019-Indiana reports deaths related to e-cigarettes

The Wall Street Journal confirmed that severe lung damage related to e-cigarettes claimed the lives of three people. After news of the man's death broke, federal health authorities urged people to stop using e-cigarette products while they investigated about 450 cases of mysterious diseases in 33 states.

September 4, 2019-Second death related to e-cigarettes occurred

According to the New York Times, serious lung disease related to smoking has claimed another life. The New York Times reported that unidentified people were hospitalized after withdrawing THC using products purchased at a recreational marijuana store in Oregon.

August 30, 2019-CDC: Don't buy e-cigarette products on the street or modify them

According to the New York Times, the CDC has taken the unusual step of issuing recommendations on e-cigarettes and e-cigarette products. The CDC's e-cigarette recommendations cover the public, clinicians and public health officials. Among the recommendations to the public: Anyone who uses e-cigarette products should not buy them on the street (e.g., e-cigarette products with DHC), and must not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances to them that the manufacturer does not intend to use.& rdquo; The CDC also said that young people, pregnant women and adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not use e-cigarette products. rdquo;

August 29, 2019-FTC conducts a survey on Juul's marketing practices

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Federal Trade Commission has begun an investigation into whether Juul engaged in deceptive marketing, including targeting minors, and may seek monetary compensation.

August 28, 2019-Juul CEO says respiratory disease cases are worrying''

Juul CEO Kevin Burns said recent lung diseases that may be related to the use of e-cigarettes are a cause for concern and urged non-smokers to avoid using Juul. If there are signs of poor health conditions related to our products, I think we will act quickly, Burns said in an interview with rdquo;

August 23, 2019-Illinois reports a patient died after using e-cigarette products

The Illinois Department of Public Health said a person who recently developed severe respiratory diseases and was hospitalized due to the use of e-cigarettes has died. According to the Associated Press, the death may be the first e-cigarette-related death in the United States.

August 20, 2019-Juul Labs withdraws from the Electronic Cigarette Technology Association

Six days after the VTA filed a lawsuit against the FDA, Juul Labs announced it would not renew its membership in the industry group, citing differences on key policy issues.

August 19, 2019-Health officials report more than 150 people have been hospitalized

State and federal health officials report that 153 people from 16 states, many of them young people, have been treated for respiratory illnesses that emerged after using e-cigarettes.

August 19, 2019-Juul Labs is charged

A 19-year-old user of Juul sued the company for targeting minors and using deceptive marketing techniques, saying the behavior led to his nicotine addiction. The lawsuit also named tobacco giant Philip Morris and its parent company Altria, an investor in Julia.

August 17, 2019-The CDC begins investigating lung diseases related to e-cigarettes

State and federal health officials have joined forces to explore whether e-cigarettes have caused serious lung disease in 153 people.

August 16, 2019-Investors are still optimistic about Juul Labs

According to regulatory filings, Juul Labs raised another $325 million from investors despite mounting health and legal issues.

August 14, 2019-E-cigarette industry group sues FDA

The E-Cigarette Technology Association, which represents hundreds of e-cigarette companies, has filed a lawsuit against the FDA, seeking to delay regulators 'review of e-cigarettes currently on the market.

August 7, 2019-The FDA says it has received reports of 127 seizures related to aerosolization

The FDA issued a statement saying it has now received 127 reports of seizures or other neurological symptoms such as syncope or tremors that occurred between 2010 and 2019.

July 26, 2019-WHO releases global tobacco epidemic report

The World Health Organization called for more research and regulation of e-cigarettes in a report and specifically appointed Juul as one of the new industry players that continues to disrupt tobacco control.

July 24, 2019-Facebook, Instagram restrict e-cigarette content

Facebook has released a new policy that will restrict sales and restrict content related to alcohol and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, on Facebook and Instagram.

July 23, 2019-FDA launches anti-e-cigarette advertising to educate teenagers about the risks of using e-cigarettes

The FDA has launched new anti-smoking ads as part of the real cost of the agency's nearly $60 million smoking prevention campaign. In TV commercials, street magicians use techniques to educate teenagers about the risks of using e-cigarettes.

July 12, 2019-The deadline for submitting e-cigarette marketing applications has been determined

A U.S. District Court judge in Maryland allowed e-cigarette companies to submit premarket tobacco applications with the FDA for approval by May 12, 2020.

June 25, 2019-San Francisco bans e-cigarettes

San Francisco, where Juul is headquartered, became the first city in the United States to ban the sale of e-cigarettes.

April 3, 2019-FDA announces investigation into potential link between seizures and e-cigarettes

The FDA has notified the public that it has received reports of seizures occurring after using e-cigarettes.

March 27, 2019-Health experts sue FDA for delaying e-cigarette review

When the agency gave e-cigarette companies more time to submit their products for review, seven public health and medical groups and several pediatricians sued the FDA for failing to follow appropriate requirements.

March 13, 2019-FDA restricts sales of flavored tobacco products

The FDA has issued new guidance that restricts the sale of most flavors of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, in convenience stores, gas stations and pharmacies. The FDA also requires all e-cigarette manufacturers to submit applications by August 8, 2021 stating that their products comply with current regulations.

November 18, 2018-Juul Labs shuts down social media accounts

After the FDA expressed concerns about Juul's attraction to underage users, the company closed its Facebook and Instagram accounts and restricted its Twitter behavior to only non-promotional communications.

September 31, 2018-FDA inspectors seize documents from Juul Labs headquarters

The FDA conducted a surprise inspection of Juul Labs 'San Francisco headquarters to seek more information about the company's sales and marketing practices. The agency said inspectors collected more than a thousand pages of documents.“”

September 12, 2018-The FDA calls e-cigarette use among teenagers an epidemic”

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, then FDA Commissioner, issued a statement calling e-cigarette use among teenagers an epidemic and urging the e-cigarette industry to address the issue or risk of withdrawing its flavored products from the market.