The American Medical Association (AMA) has called for an immediate ban on all e-cigarettes and said the spate of death linked to the use of vaping devices had ‘shined a light’ on how little scientists know about the negative effects.
Immediate nationwide ban would see e-cigarettes pulled from shelves that are not approved by the FDA. That would also include products currently for sale as none have been approved or reviewed despite being available for over a decade.
In the US alone, 42 deaths have already been linked to vaping. More than 2,170 people in every state but Puerto Rico, Washington, DC, and Alaska have been admitted to hospitals with mysterious lung illnesses.
The injuries of patients have been similar to those suffered by military soldiers attacked with mustard gas during WWI.
“The recent lung illness outbreak has alarmed physicians and the broader public health community and shined a light on the fact that we have very little evidence about the short- and long-term health consequences of e-cigarettes and vaping products,” said AMA president Dr. Patrice Harris.
Most of the e-cigarette patients reveal they vaped THC, an ingredient in marijuana. Authorities believe a thickening agent used in black market THC e-cigarette devices may be the culprit.
In addition, vitamin E acetate is also believed to be the culprit. While vitamin E is safe to use on skin or as a vitamin pill, inhaling oily droplets can be dangerous as it stays in the lungs.
AMA also mentioned the increase in teenage use of vaping devices for its decision to call for an immediate ban.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 28 percent of high school students in the US use vaping decides – up from 20 percent last year.
“It´s simple, we must keep nicotine products out of the hands of young people,” said Dr. Harris.
Jonathan Foulds, a tobacco addiction specialist, said: “I would be 100 percent with the AMA if they were seeking a ban on all tobacco products that are smoked, including e-cigarettes.
“But right now, nicotine electronic cigarettes are competing with and replacing the most harmful legal product in this country.”
FDA press officer Stephanie Caccomo said that the agency is “committed to doing everything we can to prevent kids from using tobacco products and will continue to develop a policy approach that aligns with that concern.”
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Replaced!