Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Lung Illnesses Among Vapers Is Growing: FDA Joins CDC's Investigation As 153 Cases In 16 States Are Identified
The New York Times: Vaping Sicknesses Rising: 153 Cases Reported In 16 States
Sixteen states have now reported 153 cases of serious, vaping-related respiratory illnesses in the past two months, and many of the patients are teenagers or young adults. In a statement on Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that all of the cases occurred in people who acknowledged vaping either nicotine or tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, the high-inducing chemical in marijuana. (Kaplan, 8/21)
The Associated Press: Reported Illness Among Vapers Reaches 150 Possible Cases
Officials on Wednesday said the Food and Drug Administration has joined the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and states investigating reports from the last two months. All the illnesses were in teens or adults who had used an electronic cigarette or some other kind of vaping device. Doctors say the illnesses resemble an inhalation injury, with the lungs apparently reacting to a caustic substance. So far infectious diseases have been ruled out. (8/21)
KQED: 21 Cases Of Lung Disease Linked To Vaping Cannabis Bought On Street
For the past few months, doctors in Kings County, in California's Central Valley, saw a small but higher than normal number of patients with lung disease. At first, patients presented with characteristics of pneumonia or bronchitis, like weakness or shortness of breath. But when placed on standard antibiotic treatment, they did not improve. After their health further deteriorated, doctors determined that patients instead had a condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome, and the cause was something surprising, said Kings County public health officer Dr. Milton Teske. (Klivans, 8/21)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Cudahy OKs E-Cigarette Bans After Vaping-Related Hospitalizations
Following reports of vaping-related hospitalizations, Cudahy has passed an ordinance banning all electronic smoking devices in places where state law currently bans smoking. Those caught vaping in prohibited areas could face fines not less than $100 and not more than $250 for each violation — except that the forfeiture for a "person in charge" shall be $100 for all violations occurring on a single day, the ordinance states. (Hanley, 8/21)
Reuters: E-Cigarette Firms Probed Over Health Concerns By U.S. House Panel
Four dominant e-cigarette manufacturers face a probe into the health impacts of their products, as the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee asked on Wednesday about the firms' research and marketing practices. The committee sent letters to Juul Labs Inc, 35% owned by Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc, Fontem Ventures, Japan Tobacco Inc, and Reynolds American Inc, a unit of British American Tobacco Plc. (8/21)
The Hill: House Democratic Chairman Launches Probe Of E-Cigarette Makers
A top House Democrat is launching a probe into e-cigarette companies and their marketing practices in the wake of a mysterious new lung illness being reported in young people. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) sent letters to the four dominant e-cigarette manufacturers, requesting information on their research into the public health impacts of their products, their marketing practices and their roles in the promotion of e-cigarette use by adolescents. (Weixel, 8/21)
The Associated Press: North Carolina Schools Add E-Cigs To 'No Smoking' Signs
North Carolina public schools have added a picture of an electronic cigarette to their "no smoking" signs. News outlets report all public schools in the state are required to have a sign posted stating they're a tobacco-free zone, but this year a symbol has been added to also ban e-cigarette use, also called vaping. (8/21)
KSL.Com: Utah Lawmakers Recommend E-Cigarette Tax Bill To Reduce Vaping ‘Epidemic’ In Youth
State legislators are hoping to add to recent local and national efforts to curb the use of vape pens and e-cigarettes, particularly among youth. The Health and Human Services Interim Committee, chaired by Sen. Allen M. Christensen, R-North Ogden, and Rep. Brad M. Daw, R-Orem, unanimously agreed Wednesday to recommend a bill that would tax e-cigarettes. (Bojorquez, 8/21)
