CDC releases analysis of vaping-related deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its first analysis of deaths from lung injuries associated with vaping products. To date, 34 patients have died. Although most patients who contracted the lung injuries were young, white males, only two deaths occurred in patients under the age of 25. The median age of those who died was 45 years; 59% of the deceased were men. The CDC had data on inhaled substances in only 19 cases. Among those, 84% of patients reported inhaling THC-containing products (63% exclusively), and 37% reported inhaling nicotine-containing products (16% exclusively). The agency has yet to isolate a compound or ingredient responsible for the outbreak and continues to recommend against using vaping products that contain THC. (CDC news release, 10/28/19)