Podcast Summary
A Mother's Warning: The Dangers of Vaping: A 17-year-old boy's severe lung damage highlights the need for parents to discuss vaping risks with their children and for individuals to be aware of potential health consequences
The Ologies podcast, hosted by Allie Ward, offers an engaging exploration into various scientific fields. Meanwhile, on Science Versus, Wendy Zuckerman discusses the alarming health crisis surrounding vaping. A mother named Jerry shares her experience with her 17-year-old son, Eddie, who became ill after vaping. Initially, Eddie downplayed his habit, but soon after, he ended up in the hospital with symptoms of severe lung damage. Doctors struggled to diagnose him, and it took several days for them to determine that his condition was likely caused by vaping. This harrowing account underscores the importance of being informed about the potential dangers of vaping and encourages open communication between parents and their children regarding health concerns.
Vaping-Related Illnesses and Deaths Surge in the US: Over 1600 reported injuries and 34 deaths linked to vaping, symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and lung damage, THC from black market sources may be a contributing factor, stay informed and take precautions
The recent outbreak of lung injuries and deaths linked to vaping is a cause for great concern. With over 1600 reported injuries and 34 deaths in the US, the situation is serious and still unfolding. Vaping involves inhaling aerosol from battery-powered devices that heat up a liquid, which can contain nicotine, flavors, or THC. Previously, only a few cases of illness from vaping had been reported, but in the last few months, the number has skyrocketed. Doctors have reported symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, and lung damage. The exact cause of the illnesses is still under investigation, but initial findings suggest that THC, particularly from black market sources, may be a contributing factor. The situation has left many wondering about the safety of vaping and the potential long-term health consequences. It's important to stay informed and take precautions if you or someone you know uses e-cigarettes.
Vitamin E acetate in illegal vapes linked to lung injuries: Illegal vapes containing vitamin E acetate are causing lung injuries, possibly due to chemical burns from this thickening agent.
Illegal THC-containing vapes, specifically those containing vitamin E acetate, have been identified as a major cause of lung injuries related to vaping. The presence of this ingredient, which is often added to black market vapes as a thickening agent, has been linked to chemical burns in the lungs, resembling a condition seen in industrial accidents. The fat found in the lungs of affected individuals is not the culprit, but rather a result of cell death. Vitamin E acetate is cheap and easily added to vape products to increase profits, making it a prime suspect in the ongoing investigation.
Vitamin E oil found in large quantities in illegal weed vapes: Illegal weed vapes contain high levels of vitamin E oil and pesticides, which may pose health risks when inhaled, and their safety is currently under investigation
Vitamin E oil, known for its thick and viscous consistency, has been found in large quantities in illegal weed vapes, sometimes even surpassing 80%. This oil, when heated, produces thick smoke, making the vapes appear high quality. However, the potential health risks associated with inhaling vitamin E acetate are unknown, and researchers are currently investigating its effects on the lungs. Additionally, these illegal vapes contain high levels of pesticides, some of which can be dangerous when inhaled at high doses. The presence of these substances raises serious concerns about the safety of black market weed vapes. It's important to note that not all individuals getting sick from these vapes are getting high, and other suspects are also under investigation.
Vape flavors impact human cells negatively: Some vape flavors, like cinnamon and vanilla, can impair lung function and weaken immune cells, potentially increasing the risk of lung injuries.
The flavors in vapes, which have been getting increased attention due to their association with the outbreak of lung injuries, are not as simple as they seem. They are made by combining various chemical compounds, some of which have been found to impact human cells negatively. For instance, cinnamon flavor, which is popular among vapers, can affect the cilia in the lungs, impairing their ability to remove gunk. Similarly, immune cells, when exposed to cinnamaldehyde and vanilla flavor, lose their ability to fight bacteria. While more research is needed, the current evidence suggests that inhaling some of these flavors could increase the risk of getting sick by compromising the first line of defense in the lungs. The ongoing efforts to ban flavored vaping products could potentially help reduce the number of lung injuries, but it is important to remember that the problem goes beyond just the flavors.
Safety testing of e-cigarette flavors and additives overlooked: Despite decades of use, proper safety testing for inhalation products like e-cigarettes is crucial to prevent potential health risks, especially with recent vaping-related lung injuries.
The safety testing of e-cigarette flavors and other additives has been largely overlooked, despite the fact that many people have already used these products. The regulatory grey area surrounding vaping in the US has meant that safety testing has primarily been done in petri dishes and on animals, with human testing coming last or not at all. This is concerning because some chemicals that are safe to eat can be harmful when inhaled. For example, diacetyl, which gives foods a buttery flavor, has been linked to serious lung injuries when inhaled. The recent outbreak of vaping-related lung injuries is a reminder of the importance of proper safety testing for new products, especially those that are intended for inhalation. It's also important to note that the cause of the outbreak is still not fully understood, and it could be due to a variety of factors, including the use of vitamin E acetate, pesticides, or other flavoring chemicals. The fact that vaping has been around for over a decade without widespread health issues does not necessarily mean that these products are completely safe. Continuous monitoring and research are necessary to ensure the safety and effectiveness of e-cigarettes and other vaping products.
Uncertain cause of vaping lung injuries: The exact cause of vaping lung injuries is unknown, but it may involve a combination of chemicals and metals in vape aerosols. While the risk is low for most, health organizations advise against vaping due to uncertainty.
The ongoing mystery of the lung injuries linked to vaping is not likely caused by a single substance. While the exact cause remains unknown, it's believed that a combination of chemicals in vape aerosols, including thickeners and metals from the vape pen, may contribute to the health risks. With over 10 million vapers in the US and only around 1600 diagnosed cases, the risk is low for most individuals. However, due to the uncertainty, health organizations advise against vaping if possible. It's important to remember that vaping was initially designed as a smoking cessation tool and is generally considered safer than smoking. Studies have shown that switching from smoking to vaping can lead to significant health improvements. The recent lung disease outbreak in the US is a cause for concern, but it should be viewed in comparison to the known dangers of smoking. While the situation warrants further investigation, it's crucial to keep in mind the overall context of the relative risks involved.
Vaping: Safer Than Smoking but Not Risk-Free: Vaping is generally safer than smoking but not risk-free. Try proven methods like patches or medication before considering vaping. Be cautious of ongoing lung injury investigations and avoid illegal vaping products.
While vaping is generally considered safer than smoking, it's important to remember that it's not risk-free. The evidence suggests that vaping is less harmful than smoking, which kills over a thousand people in the US every day. However, some people who try vaping go back to smoking cigarettes due to underwhelming results from vaping studies. Therefore, it's recommended to try other proven methods to quit smoking, such as patches or medication, before considering vaping. Despite recent concerns over lung injuries caused by vaping, the evidence shows that most people who have been injured have recovered. However, the ongoing investigation into the cause of these injuries warrants caution, and it's recommended to avoid vaping until the situation is clarified. It's also important to note that illegal vaping products sold on the black market pose a significant risk due to unknown ingredients. In summary, while vaping may be a viable option for some people trying to quit smoking, it's essential to consider the risks and try other proven methods first.
Switching from smoking to vaping: less harmful but not risk-free: The scientific consensus suggests that vaping is less harmful than smoking, but it's not risk-free and more research is needed on its long-term effects. Speak with a healthcare professional if you have questions.
While there are concerns and debates surrounding the switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping, the current scientific consensus suggests that vaping is less harmful than smoking. However, it's important to note that vaping is not risk-free, and more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects. If you're considering making the switch or have questions about the safety of vaping, it's recommended to speak with a healthcare professional. Additionally, for those interested in the business side of vaping, there's an episode on that topic in the Journal's series, which will be linked in the show notes. Next week, we'll be tackling the rollout of 5G technology and whether or not people should be worried about it. Stay tuned! This episode was produced by our senior producer, Caitlin Soran, as well as producer Michelle Dang, with help from Wendy Zuckerman, Lexi Krupp, Rose Rimmler, and Meryl Horn. It was edited by Caitlin Kenny, fact-checked by Michelle Harris, mixed and sound designed by Peter Leonard, and scored with music by Peter Leonard, Bobby Lord, and Emma Munger. A huge thanks to all the experts we spoke to for this episode, including doctors Yasmine Butt, Sean Callahan, Travis Henry, Irfan Raman, Christopher Harvel, Alex Sandorff, James Pankow, Konstantinos Farcelinos, Lorraine Martin, Munshong Tang, and Kevin Davidson. And extra thanks to Connor Duffy, the Zuckerman family, and Joseph Lavelle Wilson. I'm Wendy Zuckerman, and we'll be back next time.
