Summary
Introduction:
In this article, Dr. abigail S Friedman examines the relationship between the prevalence of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EV aLI) and the rates of e-cigarette and cannabis use across different US states. By analyzing data from various sources, Dr. Friedman aims to shed light on the factors contributing to the EV aLI outbreak.
Key Points:
1. The study uses data from the second week of January 2020 on total (confirmed plus probable) EV aLI cases reported in each state.
2. Maps were created to visualize the quintiles of data on total case counts and cases per 100,000 residents ages 12-64.
3. The study also examines the relationship between EV aLI cases and rates of adult vaping and past-month cannabis use based on sample-weighted means.
4. Multivariable linear regressions were performed to estimate the association between the natural log of cases per 100,000 12 to 64-year-olds and states' rates of adult current vaping and past-month cannabis use.
5. Poisson regression estimates were calculated to determine the association between total EVaLI cases and rates of current vaping and past-month cannabis use.
6. The study found that states with higher rates of e-cigarette and cannabis use prior to the EV aLI outbreak had lower EV aLI prevalence.
7. The research suggests that EV aLI cases did not arise from e-cigarette or cannabis use per se, but rather from locally distributed e-liquids or additives most prevalent in the affected areas.
Main Message:
This study emphasizes the importance of considering local factors, such as additives in black market e-liquids, when investigating the causes of EV aLI outbreaks. It also highlights the need for a rapid, effective, and well-funded FDa process to review e-liquids for inhalation safety, as well as cautious policymaking regarding restrictions on flavored e-liquids, which could push some vapers towards illicit sources and potentially increase the risk of EV aLI or conventional cigarette use.
Citation
Friedman aS. association of vaping-related lung injuries with rates of e-cigarette and cannabis use across US states. addiction (abingdon, England). 2021;116(3):651-657. doi:10.1111/add.15235
