The number of mysterious cases of lung disease in Pennsylvania and around the nation continues to increase. They are connected to a rise in vaping but the exact cause remains elusive. What is known is that there does appear to be a direct correlation between vaping and the conditions being reported by medical professionals.
The number of reported cases increased from 530 to 805 in a week’s time. The number of deaths reported entered double digits at 12. The Pennsylvania Senate passed legislation to increase the minimum age to purchase vaping products from 18 to 21. The House is expected to pass it, and it is believed that Governor Wolf will then sign it into law. In addition, the federal government is considering legislation to remove all flavored e-cigarette products from the marketplace until approval from the Federal Drug Administration is obtained.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet determined the exact cause of the escalating crisis. Most people suffering from illness are between the ages of 18 and 35 and 72% of them are male. About 16% of those who have fallen ill are under 18. The ingredient THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is common to many, but not all, cases of illness.
A person’s health is valued above all else. A mysterious illness that threatens one’s overall health can cause severe stress and anxiety in addition to the illness itself. Watching a loved one suffer in such circumstances can be painful. A personal injury professional in Pennsylvania may be able to offer some advice on what legal options are available when harmful products are purchased by consumers.