CDC releases Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report on risk factors for vaping-associated lung injury

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report November 8, 2019 on vaping-associated lung injury. Most U.S. patients with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use–associated lung injury (EVALI) report using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products. Product use behaviors that increase risk for EVALI are unknown.

What is added by this report?

Compared with survey respondents aged 18–44 years reporting using of THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, EVALI patients aged 18–44 years had higher odds of reporting exclusive and frequent use of THC-containing products and obtaining these products from informal sources, such as a dealer, off the street, or from a friend, and of using Dank Vapes, a class of largely counterfeit THC-containing products.

What are the implications for public health practice?

CDC recommends not using THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products, or any e-cigarette, or vaping, products obtained from informal sources.

Read the full report here.