US Health officials are investigating mysterious lung illnesses believed to be linked to vaping and the use of e-cigarettes.
According to a CNN survey of the state health department, at least 120 cases of lung injury or disease have been identified in 15 states, many of those affected were young adults and teenagers.
A significant number of people has been hospitalized while some are in intensive care units.
According to medical authorities, it is not clear whether or not there is a connection between the cases and if vaping caused the conditions. It is also not known whether the patients will completely recover or not.
States where the most people have been affected are Wisconsin, Illinois, California, New Jersey, and Indiana.
“While many people consider vaping to be a less dangerous alternative to smoking cigarettes, it is not risk free,” said Dr. Howard Zucker, health commissioner for New York State.
“These latest reports of pulmonary disease in people using vaping products in New York and other states are proof that more study is needed on the long-term health effects of these products.”
Health officials in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Iowa, Connecticut, Utah, Texas, Minnesota, and North Carolina have said they were aware of potential or confirmed cases.
“There are still many unanswered questions, but the health harms emerging from the current epidemic of youth vaping in Minnesota continue to increase,” said Dr. Ruth Lynfield, the medical director of Minnesota Department of Health, said in a statement.
“We are encouraging providers and parents to be on the look-out for vaping as a cause for unexplained breathing problems and lung injury and disease.”
Dr. Emily Chapman, chief medical officer at Children’s Minnesota, warned: “Medical attention is essential; respiratory conditions can continue to decline without proper treatment.”
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