KUALA LUMPUR, November 22 – The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded a total of 2,290 cases of lung complications attributed to e-cigarettes as of yesterday.
The latest numbers are an increase of 118 cases from last week.
47 deaths have been confirmed in 25 states and the District of Columbia; whereas the vaping injuries have been reported in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
President Donald Trump is expected to conduct a meeting on the increase usage of vape in among youth and on effective regulation.
“President Trump will hear from outside stake holders on the issue of youth usage of e-cigarettes and the government’s role in regulation,” White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere told CNN.
“Participants will include a diverse group of advocacy, industry, non-profits, medical associations, and State officials.”
“As the President has said, there is a serious problem among our youth and their growing addiction to e-cigarettes. The policy making process is not stalled — it continues to move forward.”
“This meeting will allow the President and other Administration officials an opportunity to hear from a large group, representing all sides as we continue to develop responsible guidelines that protect the public health and the American people.”
In September, Trump said he will move with the ban as the nation was gripped with a lung disease epidemic and a rise in vaping among young people.
But earlier this week, Trump changed his mind, saying he still wants to study the issue, due to pressure from his political advisers and lobbyists to factor in the potential push-back from his supporters.
