NEW YORK: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating a"cluster" of lung illnesses that it believes may be linked to e-cigarette use after such cases were reported in 14 states.
Patients experienced coughing, shortness of breath and fatigue. Some had serious breathing difficulties that required ventilation. Other states, including New York and New Jersey, have also issued health advisories regarding vaping-linked lung illnesses.The CDC did not link the illnesses to any specific product. In the United States, Juul Labs, in which Altria Group Inc has a 35per cent stake, is the dominant e-cigarette maker.
"These reports reaffirm the need to keep all tobacco and nicotine products out of the hands of youth through significant regulation on access and enforcement. We also must ensure illegal products, such as counterfeit, copycat, and those that deliver controlled substances, stay out of the market and away from youth."