A 2nd Vaper Dies in US

Oregon health officials are investigating the death of an individual who developed a severe respiratory illness after vaping; if a link is confirmed, it would be the country's second vaping-related death. A lead investigator on the new case, Dr. Ann Thomas, tells the New York Times that the person was "otherwise healthy and quickly became very ill" after vaping THC from a device that was apparently legally bought at a recreational marijuana dispensary. The patient was hospitalized with a lung infection and put on a ventilator but ultimately died in July, a month before Illinois revealed an adult vaper had died of a severe respiratory illness. "We don't yet know the exact cause of these illnesses—whether they're caused by contaminants, ingredients in the liquid or something else, such as the device itself," Thomas says, per NBC News.

The Times reports dozens of chemicals may be inhaled through vaping; health officials warn there's no information on the long-term effects. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which oversees marijuana sales, says it's prepared to trace the vaping device involved in the July death and issue a recall if necessary. The CDC has again updated the total number of people who could have severe lung disease caused by vaping: It now stands at 215 in 25 states, per CBS News. However, NBC News reports a survey of state health departments revealed 330 confirmed or suspected cases of vaping-related lung diseases. (This state just banned flavored e-cigarettes.)