We know that there are serious risks associated with e-cigarette use, including exposure to harmful chemicals, ultrafine particles, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an outbreak of reported cases of severe lung illness that may be related to vaping. A patient in Illinois has died from a severe respiratory illness that may be associated with e-cigarette use, and there have been 193 reported cases, primarily in young adults, reported in 22 states. CDC is working with the Food and Drug Administration, the federal agency responsible for overseeing e-cigarettes, and state officials to gather more information on the devices and substances used by the patients.

CDC Director’s Statement on the first death related to the outbreak of severe lung disease in people who use e-cigarette or “vaping” devices

CDC, FDA, States Continue to Investigate Severe Pulmonary Disease Among People Who Use E-cigarettes