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

Product | ELFBAR Launches New Open-System Device in UK with Three Pod Options and 2800mAh Battery
Product | ELFBAR Launches New Open-System Device in UK with Three Pod Options and 2800mAh Battery
ELFBAR has launched its new open-system device ELFX MEGA, compatible with 2 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL pods and equipped with a 2800mAh battery that delivers significantly longer runtime than its predecessor. The device has passed MHRA notification in the UK and is now available online in the UK at a retail price of around £18.99.
Nov.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split
EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split
The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philip Morris Japan launches new IQOS SENTIA “Icy Red” flavor with icy menthol and red berry notes
Philip Morris Japan launches new IQOS SENTIA “Icy Red” flavor with icy menthol and red berry notes
Philip Morris Japan has announced the launch of a new SENTIA Icy Red tobacco stick for its IQOS ILUMA i and IQOS ILUMA heated tobacco devices, featuring an intense menthol profile with red fruit notes. The new product will roll out in stages from December across physical IQOS outlets, online channels and tobacco retailers nationwide in Japan, priced at 530 yen (approx. USD 3.4) per pack.
Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Health Ministry backs full ban on vapes and nalivaykas
Russia’s Health Ministry backs full ban on vapes and nalivaykas
Russia’s Ministry of Health (Minzdrav) has expressed support for a full ban on vapes and “nalivayka” alcohol outlets, calling it an effective measure to curb harmful habits and improve public health.
Oct.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Maldives Implements World's First Generational Prohibition on Tobacco, Banning Sales and Smoking for Those Born After 2007
Maldives Implements World's First Generational Prohibition on Tobacco, Banning Sales and Smoking for Those Born After 2007
The Maldives has implemented a generational tobacco ban, effective November 1, 2025, making it the only country to permanently prohibit anyone born on or after January 1, 2007 from buying or using tobacco. Initiated by President Mohamed Muizzu, the policy aims to create a tobacco-free generation and includes a nationwide ban on e-cigarettes, with fines up to 50,000 rufiyaa (US$3,200) for violations.
Nov.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Bangladesh Tobacco Control Group Urges Reversal of Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory Approval
Bangladesh Tobacco Control Group Urges Reversal of Philip Morris Nicotine Pouch Factory Approval
Advocates say the economic authority’s decision contradicts national health goals and violates a Supreme Court directive banning new tobacco ventures.
Oct.27 by 2FIRSTS.ai