CDC Issues Nationwide Health Alert Related to E-Cigarette Products

This morning, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a nationwide health advisory related to the multistate outbreak of severe pulmonary injury associated with use of electronic cigarette products (devices, liquids, refill pods, and cartridges) containing nicotine or cannabis. The CDC advisory details outbreak background and recommendations for clinicians, public health officials, and the American public. As of August 27, 215 possible cases of vaping-associated pulmonary injury have been reported from 25 states, including California.

While a lack of evidence currently exists pointing to a single product or device that has caused the respiratory injuries, the CDC has advised individuals concerned about their health to cease using electronic cigarette products and to consult a healthcare provider with assistance in quitting use of the products. Further, the CDC indicates that regardless of the ongoing investigation into the multistate outbreak, electronic cigarette products should not be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, or adults who do not currently use tobacco products. For individuals who use electronic cigarette products, the CDC advises individuals to monitor themselves for potential symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, chest pain) and promptly seek medical attention if concerns exist.

Also, this morning, CDC Director Robert Redfield and Acting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Ned Sharpless released a statement detailing federal and state collaboration to investigate the ongoing electronic cigarette-associated cases nationwide. The CDC and FDA continue to work expeditiously to investigate cases and assist states in their related activities. Further, the CDC and FDA warn Americans that they should not purchase electronic cigarette products off the street and should not modify electronic cigarette products or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer. The federal agencies reiterated their commitment to determining the cause of the cases and communicating findings and updates to the American public in the coming days and weeks.