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Lung Injuries and Vaping

NDC_Team
Mayo Clinic
5 14 442

The Minnesota Department of Health released an alert this week about severe lung injury in young people related to vaping.   A number of states have now reported similar harm that seems to be caused by e-cigarette inhalation.  

 

Lungs are vital and very reactive to toxins.  We know very little about the longer term effect of vaping upon these sensitive organs. We know these products are not harmless.  Tragically we seem destined to learn about the extent of the impact of vaping through experimentation by young people, rather than through scientific research. 

 

One would think that systematic testing for health and safety would be done before a potentially harmful product is marketed and widely distributed.  Unfortunately with e-cigarettes ‘the horse is already out of the barn’.  We should raise our voices to have the FDA issue sensible regulations quickly, and hold the manufacturers responsible for any marketing practices that imply these products are ‘safe’.

Michael V. Burke, Ed.D

Program Director and NDC Counselor/ CTTS

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About the Author
The Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic has been home to physicians, nurse practitioners, Master’s / PhD level counselors, trained TTS’, and amazing office staff for a total of 30 years, all working together to treat individuals who struggle with tobacco use. Counselors meet with an individual to develop their own personalized plan, discuss coping strategies, and provide ongoing support along the journey towards a tobacco-free life. As part of the process, counselors work with physicians and nurse practitioners to provide nicotine replacements and other medications for smoking cessation as needed. We are happy to be involved with the EX Community and we hope our experiences and expertise can help in your journey towards a tobacco-free life. View the link in our signature to see our individual Biographies.