Vaping, e-cigarette illnesses blamed on Vitamin E acetate

ADRIAN — The presence of Vitamin E acetate, which has been known to result in lung injuries associated with vaping and e-cigarette usage, has been detected in several marijuana products sold in central Michigan retail shops, according to a news release from the Lenawee County Health Department.

The products have been recalled for the time being by the Marijuana Regulatory Agency. While the investigation remains ongoing, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), as well as the Center for Disease Control (CDC), recommend that persons not use e-cigarettes or vaping products that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

The recall affects marijuana products sold between May 15, 2019 and Nov. 19, 2019 at the Elite Wellness store in Bay City; the Elite Wellness store in Mount Morris, products sold between Aug. 3, 2019 and Nov. 22, 2019 and at Larren Investments, LLC. Affected products at this location were recalled by the MRA before they made it to the provisioning centers. The MRA however, still urges individuals to use caution and heed the warnings.

According to the CDC, Vitamin E acetate appears to be associated with vaping product use lung injuries (EVALI), however, there are many different products, sources and substances that are being investigated. The CDC noted that there could potentially be more than one cause of EVALI.

Several vaping cartridges failed laboratory testing, being in excess of the Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) of Vitamin E acetate, which is 100 Parts per Million (ppm). Any presence of Vitamin E acetate exceeding that number mark of 100 ppm is ruled a failed sample. All of the products in question from the locations were well above the 100 ppm limit.

Products from the Bay City Elite Wellness range in ppm amounts of 20,192 all the way up to 68,432 pp. Products from the Mount Morris Elite Wellness range in ppm amounts of 105 and all the way up to 60,299 ppm.

Those items detected and pulled from Larren Investments, LLC ranged in ppm amounts of 262 to 2,434.

Patients or caregivers who have used these affected vape cartridges, or have not used them but have them in their possession, should return them for proper and prompt disposal. Elite Wellness locations must notify patients or caregivers that purchased these vape cartridges of the current recall.

Those that have experienced symptoms after using these products should report their symptoms and products to their physician. Any adverse products used by patients or caregivers should be notified to the MRA, by emailing MRA-Enforcement@michigan.gov or by calling 517-284-8599.

Further information about EVALI can be found at the website, www.michigan.gov/vapelung.

Those in Lenawee County that should have any questions in regards to the e-cigarette or vaping recalls should contact public health nurse Meredith Mackey by calling 517-264-5243 or by sending an email to Meredith.Mackey@lenawee.mi.us.

The Lenawee County Health Department phone number is 517-264-5226. The health department can be accessed online by visiting the website, www.lenaweehealthdepartment.org.