THC Found in Wisconsin Vaping Cases That Led to Illnesses

The Associated Press
By The Associated Press
August 31, 2019Health
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THC Found in Wisconsin Vaping Cases That Led to Illnesses
Vape liquids are displayed at the shop Cloud99 Vapes in Manhattan borough, New York, on Sept. 20, 2018. (Melissa Fares/Reuters)

MILWAUKEE—Nearly nine out of 10 cases where vaping led to people developing a severe lung disease in Wisconsin involved the use of THC products, such as waxes or oils, Wisconsin’s Department of Health Services said on Aug. 30.

Health officials said that 89 percent of the 27 people they interviewed who became sick reported using e-cigarettes or other vaping devices to inhale THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.

“Vaping cartridges containing THC may include chemicals or additives that are unknown, unregulated, and unsafe,” Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said in a statement.

“We strongly urge people not to vape.”

Vapors engulf the head of a man using a vape-pen during his lunch break in central London on August 9, 2017. (Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images)
Vapors engulf the head of a man using a vape-pen during his lunch break in central London on Aug. 9, 2017. (Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images)

Health officials said despite the finding they’re still investigating all possible causes for why people became ill with “severe chemical pneumonitis, or chemical pneumonia.”

Officials say it’s an inflammation of the lungs due to inhaling irritants. Health officials say they’re also working with the FDA to determine the contents of vaping products the people used.

By Ivan Moreno

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