E-cigarette Use, or Vaping, Practices and Characteristics Among Persons with Associated Lung Injury — Utah, April–October 2019

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

An outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) of unknown source is ongoing in the United States.

What is added by this report?

Medical abstractions were completed for 79 Utah patients, 53 of whom were interviewed. Almost all patients reported using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing vaping cartridges. Most patients were hospitalized, half required breathing assistance, many reported preexisting respiratory and mental health conditions, and many identified as current or former smokers of combustible marijuana or tobacco. Most THC-containing products, acquired from six patients and, tested at Utah Public Health Laboratory, contained vitamin E acetate.

What are the implications for public health practice?

At present, persons should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products containing THC. In addition, because the specific cause or causes of lung injury are not yet known and while the investigation continues, persons should consider refraining from use of all e-cigarette, or vaping, products.