CDC Changes Recommendations on Nicotine Vaping Products
In 2019, an outbreak of serious lung injuries linked to vaping put e-cigarettes in headlines across the country. As the investigation went on, The Wall Street Journal reported that the CDC had moved away from its broad recommendation that people consider not vaping at all. Here is how that shift unfolded, and why we thought it was overdue.
Short version: The CDC first advised people to consider refraining from all vaping products, then focused its warning on THC-containing products as the evidence pointed to vitamin E acetate. Nicotine is addictive, and vaping products are for adults 21 and over only.
How the advice changed
In September 2019, at the peak of the outbreak, the CDC’s advice covered vaping products broadly. As investigators learned more, the agency narrowed its warning to THC-containing products, while keeping its advice that young people, pregnant adults and adults who don’t currently use tobacco should not use e-cigarettes.
We argued at the time that the evidence had pointed that way for months. Outlets including Rolling Stone had reported on the dangers of illicit THC cartridges before the September advice, and the CDC’s own early data showed that most patients reported using THC products.
What investigators found
The CDC identified vitamin E acetate, an oily additive used to thin some THC products, as strongly linked to the outbreak, and tied most cases to THC products from informal sources. Nicotine e-liquid is a different product, made mainly from propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin plus flavorings and nicotine.
Our point then was that specific warnings serve the public better than broad ones. When the CDC warned about romaine lettuce, it named the product and where it was grown instead of telling everyone to avoid all lettuce.
Where things stand now
Public-health bodies still disagree on the details of how vaping compares with smoking, so check cdc.gov and fda.gov for current guidance. Federal law has set the minimum age at 21 since December 2019, and nicotine vaping products need FDA authorization through the PMTA process. Buy from licensed retailers, avoid THC cartridges from informal sources, and see a doctor if you have any breathing problems.
WARNING: This product contains nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive chemical. For adults 21+ only.