Information

Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with the Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products

CDC has identified vitamin E acetate as a chemical of concern among people with e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI). Recent CDC laboratory testing of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples (fluid samples collected from the lungs) from 29 patients with EVALI submitted to CDC from 10 states found vitamin E acetate in all of the samples. Vitamin E acetate might be used as an additive, most notably as a thickening agent in THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products.

CDC recommends that people should not use e-cigarette, or vaping, products that contain THC, particularly from informal sources like friends, or family, or in-person or online dealers. Until the relationship of vitamin E acetate and lung health is better understood, vitamin E acetate should not be added to e-cigarette, or vaping, products.  In addition, people should not add any substance to e-cigarette or vaping products that are not intended by the manufacturer, including products purchased through retail establishments. CDC will continue to update guidance, as appropriate, as new data become available from this outbreak investigation.

Key Facts about Use of E-Cigarette, or Vaping, Products

• Electronic cigarettes — or e-cigarettes — are also called vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, tank systems, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).
• Using an e-cigarette product is commonly called vaping.
• E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid to produce an aerosol that users inhale into their lungs.
• The liquid can contain: nicotine, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabinoid (CBD) oils, and other substances and additives. THC is the psychoactive mind-altering compound of marijuana that produces the “high”.

Key Facts about Vitamin E Acetate

• Vitamin E acetate might be used as an additive, most notably as a thickening agent in THC-containing e-cigarette, or vaping, products.
• Vitamin E is a vitamin found in many foods, including vegetable oils, cereals, meat, fruits, and vegetables. It is also available as a dietary supplement and in many cosmetic products, like skin creams.
• Vitamin E acetate usually does not cause harm when ingested as a vitamin supplement or applied to the skin. However, previous research suggests when vitamin E acetate is inhaled, it may interfere with normal lung functioning.

 New Tobacco Sales ​ “T21” Tobacco 21

Effective October 1, 2019, the statewide sales age increases to 21 for all tobacco products, including electronic smoking devices (e-cigarettes, vapes, pod-based devices such as JUUL and their e-liquids, and component parts and accessories).

The only exemption to this law is for active duty military personnel ages 18 or older with valid military identification.  

Valid driver's license or other valid government-issued ID are the only acceptable forms of identification for tobacco purchases (employer or school ID not permitted).

What is in e-cigarette aerosol? 

The Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation program is dedicated to keeping youth from starting smoking/vaping and helping adult smokers quit, as well as protecting children from secondhand smoke.

Quit Resources:

• http://www.cdc.gov/tips

Quit Lines

• 1-800-QUITNOW (1-800-784-8669)
• 1-855-DEJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569)

Teen Quit Smoking Resources

• Smoke Free Teens:

http://teen.smokefree.gov/smokefreeTXT.aspx

https://teen.smokefree.gov

• Become an Ex:

http://www.becomeanex.org/

• My Last Dip:

http://mylastdip.com/

A Program of the Prevention & Health Communications Department

Funded by: Cigarette Restitution Fund Program through the Maryland Department of Health

Stop Smoking Program: Are YOU READY to Quit for Good?

Stopping smoking is a GREAT choice! It is one of the most important things you can do to improve and extend your life. 

Consider Your Options

• Cold Turkey: Completely stop smoking. Zero cigarettes. No quit aid medications.
• Step Down: Wean yourself off of cigarettes and nicotine by smoking less each day or each week.
• Quit Aid Medications: These medications can help to reduce nicotine cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement patches, gum, lozenges, Zyban, and Chantix, are some of the most popular quit aids.
• Counseling Support: Group and individual sessions, phone quitlines and Internet sites can help connect you to professional quit coaches and others who are also quitting smoking.

How we can help:

The Wicomico County Cessation Program offers both group and individual support sessions/counseling. We also offer low cost quit aid medications (Nicotine Patches or Lozenges, or Chantix.)  In order to take part in the program, you must:

• Reside in Wicomico County;
• Provide a signed medical clearance form and written prescription if you have chosen Chantix;
• Attend support sessions for at least 10 weeks.

Medications provided at no cost

Nicotine Replacement Patches, Nicotine Lozenges, Chantix.

(Medical Clearance Form For Chantix:   click here )

Group Support Sessions

Group support sessions are offered once a week at the Wicomico County Health Department’s Adkins Building (801 North Salisbury Blvd., Salisbury, MD)
Thursdays: 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Second Floor, Suite 202 (park on north side of building and enter through main door facing Rt. 13; elevator is through glass doors and to the right; stairs are to the left in foyer).

Onsite Workplace Smoking Cessation Program

We provide onsite support sessions/counseling for workplaces.  For more information call (410) 334-3480.

Health Care Provider Trainings

Looking to learn more about how to do brief interventions and counseling with smokers? Want to learn more about our programs or how to refer patients to the Cessation Program? We offer free training sessions for healthcare providers in Wicomico County. Call (410) 334-3480 for more information.