Experts call for name change of vaping lung illness

Due to the inherent possibility of electronic cigarettes causing related lung injuries, approximately 75 multidisciplinary experts have requested the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to change the name of the illness, as it is misleading and incorrectly implies that all e-cigarette devices can cause this illness, when in fact the only confirmed cause is THC e-cigarette products contaminated with vitamin E acetate.

In 2019, the UK Department of Public Health stated that EVALI was not related to the long-term use of regulated nicotine e-cigarette products. As a result of a rapid public health response, there has been increased awareness among the public about the risks associated with using e-cigarettes or e-cigarette products containing THC.

However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized that there is insufficient evidence to rule out the possibility of other chemicals potentially playing a role in EVALI cases, including chemicals from products containing or not containing THC. Research data on e-cigarette products reveal thousands of chemical components, the majority of which remain unidentified.

Dr. Mendelsohn’s research has further indicated that erroneous information about the relationship between e-cigarettes and EVALI could have deadly consequences. He emphasizes the need to correct the ongoing misunderstandings about the cause of EVALI, as incorrect information could lead to public panic and harm public health, not only in Australia, but also in the United States.

Medical experts and public health regulatory agencies around the world have discovered that electronic cigarettes are the most popular aid for quitting or reducing smoking. As a result, they can help smokers transition to better alternatives.

In fact, the public health benefits of electronic cigarettes have been recognized by the National Health Service in the UK and the Ministry of Health in New Zealand, as they have accepted the use of electronic cigarettes to help smokers quit their habit.

The UK government has expressed concern that unfounded fears about electronic cigarettes are preventing smokers from using them as a tool to quit smoking. Similarly, New Zealand's Ministry of Health has launched a public campaign aiming to dispel misconceptions surrounding e-cigarettes and encourage smokers to incorporate them as part of the country's smoke-free 2025 goal.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that those attempting to quit smoking using e-cigarettes weigh the benefits and risks and avoid using e-cigarettes that contain THC, any kind of modified e-cigarette device, or any substance not approved by the US government. As public health authorities and the general public increasingly recognize the science behind e-cigarettes and support their adoption through thoughtful and balanced regulatory frameworks, e-cigarettes will continue to play a crucial role in helping smokers quit around the world.

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