LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has released data regarding recent test results the state received from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on vaping materials collected from lung injury patients in the state.
Results received from FDA’s preliminary testing of materials used by five lung injury patients in the state found:
- Two patients’ products contained only nicotine.
- One patient’s products contained only tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
- One patient’s products contained both THC and nicotine.
- One patient’s products contained THC and vitamin E acetate. One product, a Dank Vape Birthday Cake THC cartridge, contained 23 percent vitamin E acetate.
In addition to these findings, two vaping cartridges submitted by a medical marijuana caregiver to a Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency licensed safety compliance facility also contained 40 percent or more of vitamin E acetate.
According to an official press release, although the cause of the lung injuries is not yet known, the majority of lung injury patients report using products with THC.
One possibility of the injuries being investigated is that contaminants in THC vapes, including vitamin E acetate, may be related to the outbreak. Other states are also finding vitamin E acetate in their testing.
“We urge Michiganders not to use e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those containing THC,” chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said. “This outbreak is still under investigation, and the exact substance or devices that are causing the outbreak are unknown.”
The State notes that as of Oct. 25, Michigan has 44 confirmed and probable lung injury cases, with one death. About 81 percent of these patients reported using a product containing THC.
The State is reminding citizens of the following health tips in light of the new findings:
- CDC and MDHHS recommend that persons should not use e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those that contain THC.
- At present, CDC and MDHHS also recommend individuals refrain from using e-cigarette or vaping products that contain nicotine.
- E-cigarette and/or vaping products should never be used by youths, young adults or women who are pregnant.
- Individuals who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette or vaping products.
- Individuals should not buy any type of e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those containing THC, off the street.
- Individuals should not modify or add any substances to e-cigarette or vaping products that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments.
The news comes as Governor Whitmer is preparing to take her vaping case to the Supreme Court.
More information about the vaping-related lung injury for the public can be found online at Michigan.gov/vapelung.
