American Vaping Association Responds to First E-cigarette Death Case: THC May Be the Cause

On August 24, news reported that on August 23 at 2 PM local time, the American Vaping Association released a statement regarding the first death case linked to e-cigarettes in the U.S.

According to foreign media reports, a patient in Illinois developed severe lung disease after vaping and ultimately passed away. The Illinois health department believes this may be the first e-cigarette-related death case in the U.S.

Reportedly, on the 23rd, Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike stated that they received notification of this death case on the 22nd. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on the 23rd that the number of patients with severe lung disease after vaping has increased to at least 193, spreading across 22 states nationwide.

However, the CDC pointed out that the cause of the illness has not yet been determined, and infectious diseases have been ruled out.

The American Vaping Association's official website released a statement on the 23rd at 2 PM local time. The statement indicated that the truth behind this incident points to black market THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) products in Illinois.
 
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive substance, also known as marijuana.

The association stated that due to multiple state health departments linking the illnesses to THC, the excessive focus on nicotine is irresponsible.

The CDC announced an investigation into dozens of vaping-related illnesses occurring nationwide, and today the Illinois Department of Public Health announced that it has learned of recent deaths due to severe respiratory issues.

The association noted that within the past 24 hours, both California and New Mexico issued warnings regarding THC. Additionally, yesterday, "USA Today" interviewed a doctor in New York who linked patients' lung issues to THC vaporizers.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that patients in California used black market THC vapor products.

Wisconsin reported that all patients with the illness reported cannabis use.

Reports from nmhealth.org indicate that a 29-year-old male in Bernalillo County was identified with a lung-related illness, with three other cases under investigation. All reported using vaping devices that may contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). At least 14 other states have reported similar cases. All cases under investigation have experienced severe respiratory issues, including coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, with reports of using cannabis oil, extracts, or concentrates in the weeks and months prior to hospitalization. Relevant authorities are investigating the names and types of products used, which may include nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol, synthetic cannabinoids, or combinations of these substances.

Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, made the following statement:

"This crisis provides more evidence that street drugs containing tetrahydrocannabinol or other illegal substances are the cause of these illnesses, rather than nicotine products."

"It is irresponsible for the media and health departments to continue focusing on product use when we know that contaminated black market THC products are still on the streets. We continue to urge the CDC and the FDA to not only investigate these incidents promptly but also to ensure that adult smokers know that nicotine products remain the safest alternative to smoking."

The American Vaping Association is a non-profit organization advocating for fair and reasonable regulation of vapor products (also known as e-cigarettes), aiming to maximize the number of adult smokers using these products to quit smoking, and dedicated to educating the public and government officials about the public health benefits of vapor products.