File photo flavored vaping solutions are shown in a window display at a vape and smoke shop in New York. Oregon Gov. (AP Photo)
File photo flavored vaping solutions are shown in a window display at a vape and smoke shop in New York. Oregon Gov. (AP Photo)
For the first time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have listed the vape brands most linked to illnesses in the U.S.
Of the nearly 2,300 people suffering lung damage, most of them had vaped liquids that contain THC, the high-inducing part of marijuana.
The report listed the Dank Vapes was the brand used by 56% of the hospitalized patients nationwide. Other product names at the top of the list from the CDC were TKO (15%), Smart Cart (13%) and Rove (12%).
Some of the brands are sold in states with legalized marijuana. But counterfeits of those legitimate brands have flooded the market around the country, forcing some to redesign their packaging.
Health officials believe the worst of the outbreak may be over. Preliminary data indicates hospitalizations peaked in mid-September and have been declining then.
The illness shows symptoms include trouble breathing, chest pain, fatigue and vomiting. About half the patients are people in their teens or early 20s.
The outbreak started in March. There were 176 cases reported in November. Every state has reported cases, with 25 states and D.C. reporting 48 deaths.
File photo, a woman loads liquid into her vaping device in Harmony, Pa. (AP Photo)
File photo, a woman loads liquid into her vaping device in Harmony, Pa. (AP Photo)
According to AP, investigators want more data before they feel certain the outbreak is waning. If it is, there may be more than one reason, including growing public caution about vaping or perhaps a change in what cartridge makers are putting into them.