KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 – A middle-aged California resident died from complications related to using an electronic cigarette, making it the seventh reported vaping-related death in the United States.
“With sadness, we report that there has been a death of a Tulare County resident suspected to be related to severe pulmonary injury associated with vaping,” Tulare County public health officer Dr Karen Haught was quoted saying in a statement Monday, according to LA Times.
The California Department of Public Health has identified 70 potential cases of acute lung disease among vapers, some of whom vaped unlicensed or unregulated cannabis products, beginning in late June, according to the agency.
As of Wednesday, 380 cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products have been reported to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Investigators are investigating a mysterious lung disease related to vaping that has affected more than 200 people around the country, with several of the cases pointing to vaping THC, the main active compound in cannabis.
The victims have complained of symptoms including coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue, as well as some cases of vomiting and diarrhoea; but there was no evidence of an infectious disease — such as a virus or bacteria — being responsible.
Separately, officials investigating these illnesses have discovered that an oil derived from vitamin E was found in samples of marijuana products used by the victims and those who used different brands of products in recent weeks.
