Board issues advisory about e-cigarette woes

The Lorain County Board of Public Health issued an advisory on using e-cigarettes and vaping.

The Lorain County Public Health Board of Health issued an advisory at their Oct. 9 meeting on the use of e-cigarette or vaping products.

Board member Edward von Hofen stated in a news release, “The (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the Ohio Department of Health are investigating an outbreak of lung injury and deaths linked to e-cigarette use. So much is unknown at this time that we recommend that residents keep from using e-cigarettes, especially those that contain THC.”

The advisory also reminds the public that ecigarettes are never safe for the following groups:

• Youth and young adults younger than age 25 – e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is harmful to developing brains • Pregnant women • People who currently do not use tobacco products

“If you are an adult who uses e-cigarettes because you have quit smoking cigarettes, do not go back to traditional cigarettes,” said Lorain County Health Commissioner David Covell. “If you are trying to quit smoking, use evidence-based treatments – such as counseling or FDAapproved medicines.

“See your healthcare provider or call the QuitLine (1-800-QUIT-NOW).”

Patients using e-cigarettes have reported symptoms such as: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, fever or pain in the stomach area, the release said.

If you have recently used an e-cigarette and you have symptoms like those above, see a health care provider.