E-Cigarette Deaths Reported in the US? Rumor!

Why I say e-cigarette deaths are an absurd rumor

No need to elaborate, but for those unaware, I'll repeat. A few days ago, media reported cases of e-cigarette-related deaths in the U.S., with 193 people suffering severe lung diseases.
 

Let's appreciate domestic media headlines:

"Smoking kills! First e-cigarette death case in the U.S., world's first"

"First e-cigarette death case in the U.S., 193 people with severe lung disease"

...

This news exploded on domestic social media, even trending on Weibo.

This again proves the lack of judgment in domestic media.

I repeatedly emphasize that readers should have their own judgment. So what is the truth? The source is the August 23 Washington Post, but domestically it was distorted into a complete rumor and fake news.

What did the U.S. media say?
 

 
I'll translate: officials say it is currently unknown whether e-cigarettes caused the illnesses.

According to the Washington Post and other U.S. media on August 23, the CDC found 193 possible severe lung disease cases related to e-cigarettes across 22 states, with one death. The CDC is investigating but has not confirmed e-cigarettes as the cause.

The FDA and other health agencies also stated at press conferences that no evidence links these lung diseases to any specific product. Many patients admitted they used THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a high-concentration chemical from cannabis, rather than nicotine-containing e-liquids.

Although CDC and FDA say no direct evidence links these cases to e-cigarettes, their ambiguous hints toward e-cigarettes have been criticized in the U.S.
 

Boston University School of Public Health professor Michael Siegel criticized CDC's approach as irresponsible. Siegel has 32 years of tobacco control experience and formerly worked at CDC. He initiated the landmark Engel lawsuit against tobacco companies, resulting in a record $145 billion fine.

In his latest blog, Siegel points out that the cause likely points to THC, not e-cigarettes—patients mostly used street-market THC liquids, not regulated nicotine e-liquids.

In fact, a January academic report confirmed THC causes severe respiratory diseases. In 21 similar cases in California, all involved street-market THC liquids.
 

Dr. Melodi Pirzada of NYU Langone Hospital, who treated similar cases, said, "We spent $1 million on various tests for an 18-year-old boy with no results until his family discovered he was using THC-containing cannabis oil. THC caused permanent lung damage."

Siegel believes CDC should educate the public to distinguish nicotine and THC clearly and warn against inhaling THC products, especially from black markets.

The American E-Cigarette Association chairman stated that evidence points to street drugs containing THC or other illegal substances as the cause, not nicotine e-cigarettes.

Knowing contaminated black-market THC products remain on the streets, media and health departments focusing only on e-cigarettes is irresponsible.

We continue to urge CDC and FDA to investigate promptly and ensure adult smokers know nicotine products are currently the safest alternatives.
 

American E-Cigarette Association chairman Gregory Conley said CDC could have prevented more deaths, but some of their actions worsen misinformation about e-cigarettes, causing people to return to smoking, including those who quit, ultimately leading to more deaths.

Knowledge point: Are e-cigarettes safe?

UK Sky News cited the UK Public Health Department stating: "E-cigarette vapor contains no tar or carbon monoxide, the two most harmful elements in tobacco smoke. E-cigarettes do contain some chemicals found in tobacco smoke but at much lower levels." Previous studies show e-cigarettes are about 95% less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes.
 

The UK's National Health Service states: "So far, no evidence shows vaping harms those around you. Existing evidence indicates any risk is very low, especially compared to secondhand smoke."

The NHS and UK Department of Health support using e-cigarettes over smoking. Last year, the UK Public Health Department recommended hospitals sell e-cigarettes and provide vaping lounges to encourage switching from tobacco.

Friends still spreading e-cigarette death rumors, it's time to stop and rest.