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The CDC has officially endorsed the predominant theory linking vitamin E acetate to EVALI, a severe vaping-associated lung injury. Using a novel lung fluid sampling method, researchers detected vitamin E acetate in all 29 patients tested across 10 states, solidifying its role in the outbreak.
No other suspected substances, such as plant oils, mineral oil, MCT oil, or terpenes, showed consistent presence in the patients' lung samples.
THC was found in 82% of the samples, while nicotine appeared in 62%, with some samples containing both. Vitamin E acetate, commonly used as an additive in illicit THC vaping products, has been tied to over 2,000 cases and 39 fatalities across 49 states.
The agency emphasizes that while vitamin E acetate is strongly linked to EVALI, they remain open to exploring other potential chemicals as the investigation progresses: “Although vitamin E acetate seems associated with EVALI, current evidence isn’t enough to eliminate the possibility of other harmful substances contributing to the illness.”
Initially, the CDC broadly warned against using “e-cigarettes,” but they have since clarified their stance, specifying that their concern primarily lies with THC-containing vaping products. While other vaping products aren’t entirely ruled out—some may contain vitamin E acetate or other harmful chemicals—the CDC now agrees that THC vapes with vitamin E acetate are the most pressing concern. Their latest announcement, with original emphasis, states:
Recent CDC laboratory tests on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples from 29 EVALI patients across 10 states detected vitamin E acetate in
every
sample. Vitamin E acetate is commonly used as an additive in e-cigarette or vaping products.This marks the first instance of identifying a potential harmful chemical in biological samples from patients with these lung injuries.
The CDC continues to advise against using e-cigarette or vaping products containing THC, especially those obtained from informal sources such as friends, family, or unverified online or in-person sellers. Updates will be provided as additional data emerges.
Further details from the CDC regarding EVALI and the latest findings are available here.
