The Centre for Diseases Control and Prevention declared the Vitamin E acetate as a harmful substance, associated with the recently discovered lung injury- EVALI.
The update follows the report that all EVALI patients had a history of using e-cigarette products that contained THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) substance.
New findings from the analysis of fluid samples from the lungs of patients who used e-cigarettes, identified the Vitamin E acetate as an additive in some THC-containing products.
The laboratory results from 29 patients submitted to CDC from 10 states in the Unites states found vitamin E acetate to be present in these samples.
Following the release of weekly reports by the CDC, since the outbreak of EVALI in the United States, a study was published by cardiologists last week which identified the damage to lungs, heart, brains and blood vessels as potential health risks of e-cigarettes.
The research carried out by the University Medical Centre in Mainz, Germany was led by Professor Thomas Munzel from the department of cardiology, he advised that e-cigarettes are so dangerous, as well as addictive, that countries should consider banning them. These reports have stirred the UK and the US to consider legislation ban on the use of e-cigarettes.
The Substance Vitamin E Acetate
The infamous substance, Vitamin E acetate is originally found in many foods including vegetables, fruits, oils, cereals, meats and used as a dietary supplement. Vitamin E is also ingested as a vitamin supplement present in skin creams and other cosmetic products. However, this substance when inhaled begins to interfere with the functioning of the lungs, causing the hairs on the lungs to melt, increase in pain and slow functioning of the lungs.
Most common vaping liquids, in addition to nicotine substance, contains flavored additives, propylene glycol and glycerol (commonly used in food and pharmaceuticals). Other substances are still being tested as the research continues. Though Vitamin E is safe for the skin, it does not imply that it is safe to inhale.
However, Dr. Anne Schuchat (principal deputy director, CDC) emphasised, “I don’t think we know enough to rule out the dispensaries out of the question, “data are pointing toward the illicit supply”.
The long-term of consumption of this substance has been identified as a cause of the outbreak as well as differing anti-bodies present in tested patients.
Symptoms of EVALI
Some pathology reports have likewise demonstrated that vaping makes fat gather in the lungs, and that triggers an incendiary reaction that makes it difficult to relax, as stated by Osita Onugha, MD in the Prevention.com report. EVALI can cause symptoms that are similar to the flu, such as coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills and weight loss.
CDC has recommended that person(s) should not use vaping products that contain THC and are to abstain from buying any THC-containing products from informal sources or illicit markets.
Ultimately, it is advised to refrain from e-cigarettes and vaping products as the investigation is still ongoing. FDA-approved nicotine replacement therapies are also being recommended for adults who are using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.
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