What ingredient in THC-containing e-cigarette liquid is linked to EVALI?

Vitamin E acetate is the ingredient in THC-containing e-cigarette liquid that has been linked to EVALI, which stands for e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury. This compound, commonly used as a thickening agent in vaping products, has been shown to cause serious respiratory issues when inhaled.

Research has indicated that the presence of Vitamin E acetate in the lungs can lead to lipid pneumonia, which is characterized by inflammation and damage to lung tissue. As health professionals investigated the rise of EVALI cases, they identified Vitamin E acetate as a significant factor contributing to the illness.

In contrast, propylene glycol and glycerin are generally recognized as safe for ingestion and have been widely used in food and pharmaceutical products. Nicotine, while addictive and harmful in its own right, is not specifically associated with EVALI in the same way Vitamin E acetate is. Thus, the correct identification of Vitamin E acetate highlights its unique risks within the context of vaping THC and its implications for lung health.