Officials are unsure as to why illnesses are just now surfacing, considering e-cigarettes are not entirely new. Some think that previous cases went unnoticed.
Officials are working to find what exactly is causing these illnesses, but they are focusing their attention on vaping products with THC.
THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana. Findings suggest that products with THC may play a role in many of the illnesses. Officials are enforcing sale restrictions and are suggesting people ditch their e-cigarettes until they find out what exactly is causing the illnesses.
International Issues
The multiple vaping related deaths in the United States have impacted other countries such as Australia and Canada. According to News.com.au, as the number of deaths in the United States rose, vape shops in Australia have noticed their amount of business dropping.
According to cbc.ca, Canada’s chief public health officer and provincial and territorial medical officers of health are very worried about the rise of vaping amid the Canadian youth. They urge people to hold off from vaping and from using THC related products.
India is also concerned with the growing trend of vaping. According to CNN, the sale of all e-cigarettes has been banned in India. They were banned because of the threat they pose to people, especially young people. The vaping-linked illnesses and deaths in the US added to the reason e-cigarettes were banned in India. The ban on e-cigarettes includes production, manufacturing, imports, exports, transportation, sale, distribution, storage, and advertisement. People who break this law, can face time in prison and/or a fine.
US Actions Matter
Throughout the world vaping has become popular amongst teens and young adults. The vaping related deaths in the US have impacted other countries because they are becoming aware of the threat vaping poses to young people. Many countries are concerned about their people’s health and encourage e-cigarette users to stop using them until they find out what exactly is causing illnesses and deaths.
The United States needs to step up and take action against e-cigarettes like India did. We already know that the United States influences other countries, so if the US bans or sets restrictions on e-cigarettes to protect the American youth, other countries might do the same. With bans and restrictions, it will be harder for teenagers to get e-cigarettes, which in turn will protect their health.
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