NEW YORK: US health officials announced a breakthrough Friday into the cause of a mysterious outbreak of vaping illnesses, reporting they have a “very strong culprit.”
The same chemical compound was found in fluid taken from the lungs of 29 patients across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. The compound — vitamin E acetate — was previously found in the liquid from electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices used by many of those who got sick.
But this is the first time they’ve found a common suspect in the damaged lungs of patients, officials said.
“We are in a better place in terms of having one very strong culprit,” said the CDC’s Dr. Anne Schuchat.
Agency officials cautioned they cannot rule out all other toxic substances, and it may take animal studies to clearly show vitamin E acetate causes the lung damage that’s been seen.
More than 2,000 Americans who vape have gotten sick since March, many of them teen and young adults and at least 40 people have died. The bulk of the cases occurred in August and September but new cases are still being reported.
Vitamin E acetate has only recently been used as a thickener in vaping fluid, particularly in black market vape cartridges. While vitamin E is safe as a vitamin pill or to use on the skin, inhaling oily droplets of it can be harmful. It’s sticky and stays in the lungs — the CDC’s Dr. Jim Pirkle likened it to honey.
(Agencies)
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