Indiana Reports Fourth Vaping Death

Jill Sheridan

Article origination IPBS-RJC

FILE - In this April 23, 2014 file photo, a man smokes an electronic cigarette in Chicago.
*AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File*

Indiana has recorded a fourth death related to vaping. That puts the state at the top of an unwanted list.

Only California and Illinois have reported as many fatalities from lung injury related to vaping.

Indiana’s first death was recorded in September. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 55. The state is investigating 57 more cases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently announced a common factor among these injuries. Vitamin E acetate that has been added to cannabis vaping products is being pointed to as a chemical of concern.

The majority of Indiana’s cases are among people ages 18 to 29. The state announced an education and awareness campaign to address youth vaping this past summer.

Contact Jill at jsheridan@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @JillASheridan.

Tags:vaping

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

FSSA creates waitlist for Aged and Disabled waiver. Advocates worry it creates barrier to care

Hoosiers with disabilities or who want to age in place may have a harder time accessing services under an important Medicaid waiver. The Family and Social Services Administration will implement a waitlist for the Aged and Disabled waiver, as part of its effort to address the states Medicaid shortfall.

Health / March 25, 2024

What's at stake in the Supreme Court mifepristone case

The case could affect not just abortion access, but oversight of the drug industry and the authority of federal agencies. The court hears arguments Tuesday.

Health / March 9, 2024

Psilocybin research fund, pharmacy benefits manager language added to nursing bill

Legislation headed to the governor would simplify requirements for nursing instructors and increase transparency around pharmacy benefits managers. The bill would also establish a research fund for psilocybin a chemical compound found in some psychedelic mushrooms.