Cape Ann Health & Wellness Committee Monthly Update
Building a community network of wellness through education and shared resources for body, mind and spirit.

The latest CDC report is that over 1600 people have significant lung damages related to vaping with over 34 reported deaths. These numbers continue to increase with Massachusetts being one of the most afflicted states.

In addition to the very toxic and addictive nicotine, vaping fluids may contain THC and flavoring products all known to cause Bronchiolits Obliterans, commonly known as Popcorn Lungs. This is an irreversible lung disease in which the small bronchioles of the lung are damaged.

Bronchioles are the tiny tubes in our lungs that acts as passageway for inhaled air to reach the extensive surface of the lung. Here Oxygen is transferred into the bloodstream and Carbon Dioxide waste is removed from the body when we exhale. Regardless of what toxins may be contained in or produced by vaping, the fact that oil is being vaporized and inhaled, cannot be healthy for the lungs. Consider what vaporized oils do to the walls and objects in your kitchen.

The most prominent symptoms in lung injury include cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal symptoms, fever and weight loss. Many youths have not grasped the serious and irreversible damage Vaping can cause, as they continue to use these products that are banned in MA, by purchasing in neighboring states.

As the scourge of addiction to nicotine, opioids and alcohol, continues to rob our community of its vital youth capacity. We should all remain diligent in encouraging youths to abstain from nicotine products, and to stop vaping until more is known about their short and long-term effects on the lungs and overall health.

Reference: CDC – Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the use of E-Cigarette or Vaping
Products.

Yvonne Smikle, M.D.
Middlesex Recovery Gloucester
61 Prospect St. Gloucester, MA