First Confirmed Case of Underage E-cigarette Related Lung Disease in Costa Rica

News by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nov.17.2023
First Confirmed Case of Underage E-cigarette Related Lung Disease in Costa Rica
Costa Rica reports its first confirmed case of a minor with e-cigarette related lung disease, raising concerns over its safety.

According to a report on November 15 from CNN Spain, the Social Security Fund of Costa Rica (Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social) has recently issued a statement confirming the country's first case of an e-cigarette related lung disease in a minor.

 

According to a report by the organization, a 16-year-old minor has been using e-cigarettes without supervision on a regular basis. As a result, the individual had to spend 29 days in the intensive care unit for treatment, during which mechanical ventilation and intubation were necessary. The organization highlights this case to remind the public once again that e-cigarettes are not harmless and are not a smoking cessation method, as they can potentially be fatal.

 

According to the institution's statistics, the number of cases related to e-cigarette-associated illnesses in the Costa Rican public healthcare system has risen significantly, from 13 cases in the entire year of 2021 to 857 cases in the first half of 2023. The majority of these cases are reported from clinics in the central region of the country.

 

In addition, the results of the 2021 National Survey on the Consumption of Psychotropic Substances among the population of secondary education, published by the Institute on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (IAFA) in Costa Rica, reveal a significant increase in the proportion of students who have experimented with nicotine or e-cigarette products, reaching 13.1%. This percentage is nearly triple the findings from the previous survey conducted in 2018 (4.6%).

 

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Mexico City hands over 50,376 vapes and e-cigarettes for destruction, valued at USD 570,000
Mexico City hands over 50,376 vapes and e-cigarettes for destruction, valued at USD 570,000
Mexico City Head of Government Clara Brugada handed over 50,376 vapes and e-cigarettes in the Zócalo for final destruction. The report puts the value at 10 million pesos (about USD 570,000) and says the goods were seized from a stall and a warehouse in the Historic Center, with one person detained because selling these products is illegal.
Jan.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore to Extend Etomidate Controls and Table New Vape Legislation in 2026
Singapore will maintain etomidate’s classification under drug control laws while preparing new legislation targeting e-vaporisers, as authorities reinforce a hardline regulatory stance on vaping.
Feb.05
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Thailand’s Bangkok Police Bust Two Warehouses, Seize Over 100,000 Heated-Tobacco Items Worth $960,000
Bangkok police said they raided two warehouse locations linked to an online distribution network for illicit vaping/heated-tobacco products, seizing IQOS ILUMA i devices and large quantities of TEREA sticks worth more than 30 million baht (about US$960,000). Three suspects described as administrators and caretakers were arrested, while investigators probe suspected smuggling routes and unpaid excise liabilities.
Feb.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
PMI reshuffles U.S. footprint: Swedish Match to shut Richmond office in April; most staff may be relocated
Swedish Match, a unit of Philip Morris International (PMI), will close its office in Richmond, Virginia, in April 2026 and eliminate 135 positions. PMI said the move is tied to adjustments in its U.S. operating footprint.
Feb.03
Guam DOE: Police to respond to all school-campus incidents involving minors and nicotine products
Guam DOE: Police to respond to all school-campus incidents involving minors and nicotine products
According to the Guam Department of Education (GDOE), police officers will now assist in handling incidents involving minor students who vape or use tobacco products on public school campuses, and cases may be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General.
Jan.15 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia High Court Sets May 15 Ruling on NGOs’ Challenge to Vape Nicotine Poisons List Exemption
Malaysia High Court Sets May 15 Ruling on NGOs’ Challenge to Vape Nicotine Poisons List Exemption
Malaysia’s High Court has fixed May 15, 2026, to deliver its decision on a judicial review application by three NGOs challenging the government’s move to exempt vape liquids and gels from the Poisons List. The applicants argue the March 31, 2023 delisting effectively deregulated vape products and created a prolonged gap until Act 852 took effect in October 2024.
Jan.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai