November 15, 2019

Indiana Reports Fourth Vaping Death

Article origination IPBS-RJC
FILE - In this April 23, 2014 file photo, a man smokes an electronic cigarette in Chicago. - AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File

FILE - In this April 23, 2014 file photo, a man smokes an electronic cigarette in Chicago.

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File

Indiana has recorded a fourth death related to vaping. That puts the state at the top of an unwanted list.

Only California and Illinois have reported as many fatalities from lung injury related to vaping.

Indiana’s first death was recorded in September. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 55. The state is investigating 57 more cases. 

READ MORE: Health Officials Report Two More Vaping-Related Deaths In Indiana

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced a common factor among these injuries. Vitamin E acetate that has been added to cannabis vaping products is being pointed to as a chemical of concern.

The majority of Indiana’s cases are among people ages 18 to 29. The state announced an education and awareness campaign to address youth vaping this past summer. 

Contact Jill at jsheridan@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @JillASheridan.

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