There’s been a significant discovery in the outbreak of lung illnesses and deaths linked to e-cigarettes. Vitamin E acetate has been found in all of the samples of fluids from the lungs of those who have gotten sick. No other potential toxins were detected in the testing so far.
Of 28 lung tissue samples tested, all contained the additive and 23 contained THC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's, Dr. Anne Schuchat says, "these new findings are significant."
The additive, vitamin E acetate, is sometimes used as a diluent of THC oil, particularly by street dealers. THC is the compound in marijuana that produces a “high."
"For the first time we have detected a potential toxin of concern, vitamin E acetate, in biologic samples from patients with lung injuries associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products," says Schuchat.
The outbreak has sickened 2,051 people and resulted in 39 confirmed deaths. The CDC's Dr. Anne Schuchat said Friday that the "trend in cases appears to be downward, but some states are still being hit hard."