(WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services received results from testing vaping products from Michigan lung injury patients.
Patients were asked to provide any materials they have vaped for testing.
The FDA results from five patients in the state found:
- Two patients' products contained only nicotine.
- One patient's prodcuts contained only THC.
- One patient's products contained both THC and nicotine.
- One patient's products contained THC and vitamin E acetate. One product, a Dank Vape Birthday Cake THC shortage, contained 23 percent vitamin E acetate.
MDHHS says these results are the first confirmation that a Michigan lung injury patient was exposed to vitamin E acetate.
In addition, two vaping cartridges submitted by a medical marijuana caregiver to a Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency licensed safety compliance facility also contained 40 percent or more of vitamin E acetate, MDHHS says.
Although the cause of the lung injuries is not know, the majority of patients report using products with THC.
“We urge Michiganders not to use e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those containing THC,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “This outbreak is still under investigation, and the exact substance or devices that are causing the outbreak are unknown.”
As of Oct. 25, the state has 44 confirmed and probable lung injury cases, with one death. About 81 percent of these patients reported using a product containing THC.
Based on recommendations by the CDC, MDHHS has issued the following health advisory:
- CDC and MDHHS recommend that persons should not use e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those that contain THC.
- At present, CDC and MDHHS also recommend individuals refrain from using e-cigarette or vaping products that contain nicotine.
- E-cigarette and/or vaping products should never be used by youths, young adults or women who are pregnant.
- Individuals who do not currently use tobacco products should not start using e-cigarette or vaping products.
- Individuals should not buy any type of e-cigarette or vaping products, particularly those containing THC, off the street.
- Individuals should not modify or add any substances to e-cigarette or vaping products that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments.
