Vitamin E Linked to Vaping Deaths
Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that vitamin E might be responsible for the vaping deaths that have swept the nation. Many professionals at this regulatory agency have called this discovery a “breakthrough,” after testing the numerous samples of lung fluid that were taken from the individuals who had fallen ill. With a possible culprit identified, the researchers say that their work is far from over. They still need to figure out why vitamin E is causing so much damage, why it is present in the lungs of patients, and what the possible treatment options might be.
Over the past few months, this vaping illness has taken the country by storm. So far, the illness has resulted in more than 2,000 people falling ill, leading to several dozen deaths. Even though vitamin E has been thought to play a significant role for some time, this is the first definitive link that researchers have found. Sadly, dozens of people have already passed away due to this dangerous illness.
Why is Vitamin E Used to Vaping Products?
Many people are confused by the presence of vitamin E in vaping products. After all, vitamin E is also an important nutrient in the body. Vitamin E is an antioxidant, helping the body protect its cells against free radicals that might otherwise do serious harm. In e-cigarettes and other vaping products, vitamin E acts as a thickening agent. This plays an important role in how vaping substances react when they are heated for use. Unfortunately, this important vitamin also appears to be a major reason why people are falling ill, in some cases resulting in death.
Watch YouTube Video ~ CDC: Vitamin E additive may be the blame for vaping-related deaths nationally. Listen to what the CDC has to say about this issue.
More Than One Culprit is Possible
While this recent discovery represents a significant step forward, regulatory authorities are cautioning that their work is far from done. There is more than one culprit in this vaping-related illness. For example, medical professionals also believe that THC has played a major role in the outbreak as well. THC is the compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive properties, or its “high.” Researchers have indicated that while THC has been found in numerous samples, there are some people who have fallen ill without being exposed to THC. Furthermore, the researchers have even given this disease a name, calling it EVALI. This stands for E-cigarette (Vaping) product Associated Lung Illness. Researchers have also stated that people who purchase products from a black market dispensary are far more likely to fall ill, possibly leading to death.
The Next Steps in the Process
Researchers are still actively working to figure out if there are more substances responsible for causing EVALI. So far, vitamin E and THC are on the list. As they continue to work to identify other causes, they are also working on a treatment. The goal is to find a way to both prevent lung damage in people with EVALI and reverse lung damage that might have already occurred. In many cases, previously healthy young people are dying as a result of this illness.
In addition, lawsuits have been filed against some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Juul. The allegations in these lawsuits include claims that these companies have intentionally targeted minors with their marketing and products. It remains to be seen how these lawsuits will unfold, as they proceed with medical investigations into EVALI causes and treatments still ongoing. This research provides hope to countless individuals and families who have been devastated by this illness.
Wrongful Death Attorneys in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Wrongful Death Attorney. Vitamin E is one of the substances implicated in the vaping illness that has impacted the country. If someone you love has passed away due to the negligence of another person or entity, you can reach out to me by dialing (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400.
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