Vaping Illness Discovery – CDC Points to Vitamin E Acetate
The Center for Disease Control has finally identified a probable cause in the vaping-related illness saga.
CDC’s Findings
In a recent update from their website, the CDC stated: “Recent CDC laboratory testing of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from 29 patients submitted to the CDC from 10 states found vitamin E acetate in all of the BAL fluid samples. This is the first time that we have detected a potential chemical of concern in biologic samples from patients with these lung injuries.”
Vitamin E Acetate – The Primary Culprit
The CDC further stated: “These findings provide direct evidence of vitamin E acetate as the primary site of injury within the lungs.”
Canada Vapes’ Assurance
Speaking on behalf of Canada Vapes, we would like to assure our customers that we have never and will never use vitamin E acetate in any of our liquids. Canada Vapes has always been transparent about the ingredients used in our e-liquid manufacturing, and provide an ingredient list on the label of all of our e-liquid bottles.
The First Common Suspect
This is the first time that the CDC has found a common suspect in the damaged lungs of patients.
Health Canada’s Stance
Health Canada has stated that Vitamin E Acetate is not allowed in Canadian cannabis vaping products. This is the primary reason that the vaping illness problem has been isolated to the United States. Marijuana is illegal in many States, and therefore unregulated and often manufactured on the black market.
The Role of Vitamin E Acetate in THC Pods
Vitamin E acetate has recently started being used as a thickener in THC pods systems, particularly in black market vape cartridges. The majority of individuals affected by this vaping-related illness were using THC/Marijuana oil pods, many of them purchased from street vendors.
While this is the first time the CDC has officially stated the link between Vitamin E Acetate and the illnesses, Canada Vapes posted an article on September 19th discussing this potential relationship. Many other news sources, including The New York Times, have also suggested the link between vaping related illness and Vitamin E Acetate as early as September 5th, over two months ago.
The Media’s Role
Unfortunately for many companies and people who use nicotine e-liquid and vaping products to help them quit smoking, the damage from this has already been done. The media lumped all vaping products into one category. It created fear and panic within the entire vaping industry that nicotine vaping products may be dangerous and causing people to be sick. With this recent discovery, it is now proven that this is simply not the case.
CDC’s Recommendations
We stand in agreement with the CDC’s current recommendations to NOT buy any kind of e-cigarette or vaping products that contain THC off the street. For Canadians, it is recommended to purchase all of your marijuana products from legally operating distribution sources, and to purchase your nicotine e-liquid from long-standing Canadian vape companies.
The Future of Vaping
While the vaping-related illness has been, and will continue to be, a terrible event. this recent CDC update should provide peace of mind to individuals who are legally and safely purchasing their vaping products from professional businesses – both THC/Marijuana vaping products, and nicotine-related vaping products.
A Push to Legalize Marijuana in the United States?
Could this be a push to legalize marijuana in the United States? Many people are suggesting this. We will have to wait and see.
Thanks to Global, CBC, and the CDC for information about this story.
