“The presence of vitamin E in vape fillers has already been linked to EVALI, as confirmed by our research as well. On the other hand, it is not yet clear whether there are other causes of the disease development, in addition to this substance and tetrahydrocannabinol. Therefore, we urge all smokers to avoid the use of any type of vape, especially those they purchase from various artisans,” the researchers write.
Last fall, doctors faced the spread of a previously unknown dangerous lung disease allegedly caused by electronic cigarettes. It often leads to smokers’ death. Over the past six months, about 2.8 thousand cases of its development and over 60 deaths have been recorded in the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia.
The lung disease named EVALI associated with the use of mixtures for electronic cigarettes or vaping (an e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury). It initially resembles pneumonia in its symptoms but cannot be suppressed with antibiotics and other drugs. Doctors are actively studying the lungs of carriers of this disease hoping to understand what types of electronic cigarettes cause it, and how to prevent its development.
Triple hit on the lungs
U.S. doctors have got closer to finding solution by completing the first detailed analysis of substances that Californian EVALI victims smoke.
In total, scientists studied the medical history of 160 state residents who were admitted to clinics with a similar diagnosis at the end of 2019 when the number of victims began to grow rapidly. By studying what types of vapes smokers used right before hospitalization, doctors found that almost all Californian EVALI victims (over 80% of victims) did not use ordinary vapes but special vaporizers that were adapted to work with tetrahydrocannabinol, the main active ingredient in marijuana. In 75% of cases these smoking gadgets, as well as their fillers, were made amateurishly and not purchased in authorized salons and shops of tobacco products.
Almost all the fillers used in these vapes had another substance, the artificial form of vitamin E. Scientists have already associated it with the spread of EVALI.
Scientists suggest that the disease is caused by a combination of three factors as artisanal vapes, marijuana and the artificial form of vitamin E. However, they still cannot tell how exactly this happens.
Doctors cannot understand what made teenagers and adult victims of EVALI buy vapes and cartridges with tetrahydrocannabinol from handicraftsmen and acquaintances considering that marijuana was allowed in California. According to the article authors, understanding the reasons will be extremely important for further struggle with EVALI and other consequences of vape using.
Source: https://nauka.tass.ru/nauka/7922963
Photos are from open sources.
