A teenager from the Bronx is the first victim of the mysterious lung-disease associated to vaping from New York City. This was confirmed by state officials late Tuesday.
The 17-year old boy died in the Children's Hospital at the Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx on October 4. He was admitted late last month due to a respiratory illness, according to sources from the hospital.
Before that admission, the boy was previously hospitalized in Montefiore for the same complaints, but was later released, sources said.
Officials believe that the teen's condition has only gotten worse due to his consumption of a vaping cartridge that contained THC. This is the substance that the FDA warned the public about. It is the key ingredient that gives vapers a kind of high one gets from ingesting marijuana.
Several investigations were conducted concerning the lung disease associated to vaping. Authorities suspect that the problem may be caused by a Vitamin E extract. There is already an existing ban on the sale of vaping products that contain THC. They believe that it is what is causing the damage to the lungs of the victims.
Nationwide, vaping-related death similar to the case of this boy from the Bronx has reached nearly two dozens as authorities from Massachusetts also reported their first death due to the same condition on Monday.
During an unrelated press conference, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the death of the teen. He also called for the federal government to take stronger action on the matter. All the while, he was blasting on the Big Tobacco.
"Companies who are into the business of vaping who target the young adolescents should be sanctioned," Cuomo said to Manhattan reporters. He believes that the vaping products they are selling to the youth are actually more dangerous than cigarette smoking.
The officials of the city health office refuse to add more details to what was already confirmed. Until they are able to confirm the cause of death, the authorities continue to encourage parents to remind their kids of the harmful effects of smoking, including the use of vapes.
"The city has started conducting its investigation on the case, but no official determination has been made yet," said Avery Cohen, spokeswoman from City Hall. The government is worried about the continuous increase in the number of patients suffering from this vaping-related lung disease. The officials promise to continue fighting for reforms that will keep e-cigarettes beyong the reach of youngsters.
Sen. Chuck Schumer has revealed that there is a plan to ban kid-friendly vape flavors on the national level. This is inline with his Stopping Appealing Flavors in E-cigarette (SAFE) Act.
As a New York Democrat, he also called on health agencies of the federal government to put together a campaign that will warn young adults of the dangers of vaping.
According to the data taken from a report filed by the State Department of Health, a record number amounting to about 21 people in New York City alone have been diagnosed with this vaping-related illness. This is representative of a huge number of people, in comparison with the 1,000 people nationwide who have been hospitalized due to the vaping-related lung disease.
