Officials from the FDA & CDC held a joint conference to announce their latest findings, the public awareness campaign undertaken by the FDA/CDC and vigilant medical staff made a huge difference in reducing the number of deaths associated with the lung disease. Hospital admission for patients with lung disease peaked in September, according to the data collected from across the country, the number of patients seeking treatment for the vaping lung disease (EVALI) dramatically declined in the months of Oct. and Nov.

The presence of enormous number of branded, generic and illegally manufactured products on the market, and the dozens of chemicals used to make these products complicating the task of CDC/FDA.

The investigation is continuing, however, the CDC/FDA now believe that Vaping products containing THC and Vitamin E Acetate may be the culprit.

Recommendations from CDC and FDA

• CDC and the FDA recommend that people not use THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, particularly from informal sources like friends, family, or in-person or online sellers.
• Vitamin E acetate should not be added to e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Additionally, people should not add any other substances not intended by the manufacturer to products, including products purchased through retail establishments.
• While it appears that vitamin E acetate is associated with EVALI, there are many different substances and product sources that are being investigated, and there may be more than one cause. Therefore, the best way for people to ensure that they are not at risk while the investigation continues is to consider refraining from the use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
• Adults using e-cigarettes or vaping products as an alternative to cigarettes should not go back to smoking; they should weigh all available information and consider using FDA-approved cessation medications. They should contact their healthcare provider if they need help quitting tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.
• Adults who continue to use e-cigarette, or vaping, products, should carefully monitor themselves for symptoms and see a healthcare provider immediately if they develop symptoms like those reported in this outbreak.

Regardless of the ongoing investigation:

• E-cigarette, or vaping, products should never be used by youths, young adults, or women who are pregnant.
• Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette, or vaping, products. There is no safe tobacco product. All tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, carry a risk.
• THC use has been associated with a wide range of health effects, particularly with prolonged and frequent use. The best way to avoid potentially harmful effects is to not use THC-containing e-cigarette or vaping products.
• People with ongoing problematic marijuana use that causes significant impairment or distress should seek evidence-based treatment by a healthcare provider.

Source: CDC, FDA, WSJ, Daily Stock Deals, OxBridge Research