Michigan sees first vaping death as crisis grows: 'It's an epidemic'

In the same week that Michigan's flavored-vaping ban took effect, the state on Friday reported its first death from vaping-related lung injury, bringing the national total to at least 21 dead from the controversial smoking device and another 1,030 injured.

Health officials stress that 75% of these cases involve marijuana.

In Michigan, health officials would not disclose any information about the state's first fatal victim, who was identified only as an adult male. He is among 30 people in Michigan who have reported vaping-related lung injuries since Aug. 30. The victims range in age from 16-67, most of whom have been hospitalized with severe respiratory illness.

"We still don’t have any clear information as to what is causing this so far," said MDHHS spokesperson Lynn Sutfin, who noted that while vaping has been around for years, "This is definitely something new."

"We have not seen any of these kinds of injuries, these severe illnesses that are putting people in the hospital," Sutfin said, stressing: "This is an epidemic."

 Michigan's fatality prompted health officials to once again sound a warning to stop vaping until more information becomes available.

“We are saddened to announce a death associated with this outbreak,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS said in a statement. “To protect public health, we urge people to consider refraining from vaping until the specific cause of the vaping-related severe lung injuries being reported nationwide has been identified."

While the cause of the outbreak is unknown, health officials stress that 75% of the vaping-injury cases they've seen involve marijuana.

Pennsylvania also announced its first vaping-related death on Friday, prompting the Food and Drug Administration to issue an alert to the nation: Stop using THC vaping products immediately until we figure out what's going on.

“We’re strengthening our message to the public in an updated consumer alert stating that they should not use vaping products containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive component of the cannabis plant,” Sharpless said in the statement.

For those who will choose to use vaping products anyway, the FDA and Michigan health officials warn people not to modify or add any substances to  products purchased in stores, or buy any vaping products on the street. And if they develop any symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever and/or nausea and vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.

As of Friday, 1,080 cases of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping had been reported to the CDC. Cases have been reported in 48 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. There have been 21 deaths confirmed in 18 states.

Related:

As Michigan's flavored vape ban begins, cops look to 'educate' stores

Michigan's flavored vape ban stops sales this week. Here's what you need to know

Michigan's death comes one month after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the state's flavored vape ban in response to what she said is a public health emergency among kids using vaping products. Michigan was the first state to do so, though the ban is facing opposition.

Two lawsuits are challenging the ban, including one filed by a northern Michigan business owner who argues the ban is illegal and may force him to shut down his shop. And a bill introduced last week that would prohibit the state from implementing rules that limit the production, sale or use of vaping products is facing challenges. 

Opponents of the ban argue, among other things, that it kills jobs, may shut down hundreds of businesses and is unprecedented.

"The state has never before banned an entirely legal industry, killing 800 businesses and 4,500 jobs without any legislative debate or public input whatsoever. If the governor can eliminate vaping with the stroke of a pen, what's to stop her from eliminating other industries she doesn't like?," the Defend Michigan Rights Coalition argues in a statement.

In response to Friday's news that someone died from vaping-related illness, the group issued this statement:

“Given the information that has come to light from the CDC, and the tragic death announced today, we implore the Governor to re-evaluate the ban in place and look to sensible regulations that will allow adults to use flavored nicotine-based vape products ," the DMRC stated, claiming research shows that reported illnesses have arisen "from black market or homemade products that contain THC — which is not sold in vape shops in Michigan."

All of the cases were reported in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Vaping has turned into a nationwide problem as health officials from across the country scramble to warn the public, especially younger people, about the rising number of people showing up in hospitals with lung-related problems due to vaping.

According to the CDC, about 75% of the cases involved people vaping with marijuana products in combination with nicotine or alone.

State and national health officials are working with the federal FDA to get additional information that can help identify the ingredients in the vape materials that is making people sick.

So far, no specific brand of device or e-liquid has been identified. 

State health officials warn that  e-cigarette and/or vaping users should immediately seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fever and/or nausea and vomiting. 

The state is also offering the following recommendations:

• Anyone who uses an e-cigarette or vaping product should not buy these products off the street and should never modify or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer. 
• Youths, young adults and pregnant women should not use e-cigarette or vaping products. 
• Adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette products. 
• Adults who are vaping should not smoke combustible cigarettes as a replacement for nicotine.

E-cigarettes are not FDA-approved as a smoking cessation device. Free help is available for individuals who are ready to kick the tobacco habit at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669). 

For more information about vaping-related lung injury, go to  Michigan.gov/ecigarettes.

Contact Tresa Baldas: tbaldas@freepress.com