The second teenager in the United States died due to a lung disease that was linked to vaping in Oregon on September 5th, 2019.

Pictured to the right, is a stock photo of vaping: Thewashingtonpost.com

The first death in the U.S occurred in Illinois in late August, 2019. Although the lung disease still remains a mystery, many health officials believe it is linked with the use of e-cigarettes. 

“We don’t yet know the exact cause of these illnesses and whether they’re caused by contaminants, ingredients in the liquid [(the juice containing nicotine in the vape)], or something else, such as the device itself,” Dr. Ann Thomas, a public health physician at the Oregon Health Authority, said. 

Along with vaping, many people have ended up with a condition called
“acute distress syndrome”, which causes fluid to build up in the lungs and prevents oxygen from circulating in the bloodstream; this can be very life-threatening.

Many have also been concerned as to why these deaths are just now surfacing, and as to how they have become so close to one another in dates.

“We’re all wondering if this is new or just newly recognized,” the CDC’s Dana Meaney-Delman said.

These deaths are becoming a realization to most who are currently vaping, or are considering it. 

As the death poll grows, so does the number of people who continue to suffer from the symptoms of vaping. Many can only hope that doctors find the root of this growing epidemic, and put an immediate stop to it.