American Lung Association Responds to Vitamin E Acetate Findings in CDC EVALI Investigation

In response to the announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of findings from laboratory testing of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples as part of the investigation into e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI), the American Lung Association’s chief medical officer, Dr. Albert Rizzo, issued the following statement:

“The CDC announced that vitamin E acetate has been detected as a potential chemical of concern. It was found in lung fluid samples collected from 29 of 29 patients from 10 states. Nicotine was identified in 62% of the samples and THC was identified in 82% of the samples.  The CDC also stated that there is not yet evidence if other chemicals are of concern to EVALI.

“The findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reinforce the Lung Association’s strong message that e-cigarettes are not safe.

“For that reason, even before the outbreak of EVALI, the Lung Association was cautioning the public about inhalation of primary and secondary smoke and aerosol from any device that burns or heats substances that are inhaled. We remain concerned about the increasing use of marijuana, THC and cannabinoids. To stay at the forefront of the impacts on lung health, the Lung Association is hosting a round table discussion this week with several scientific experts in the field to inform our research, education and advocacy efforts.” 

For media interested in speaking with an expert about e-cigarettes, tobacco use and lung health, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7629.