Utah Dept. Of Health Files Emergency Rule To Address Vaping-Related Illness Outbreak
Oct 2, 2019, 8:54 AM | Updated: 1:23 pm
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The Utah Department of Health on Wednesday announced it has implemented a new, emergency administrative rule aimed at reducing the number of vaping-related lung injury cases.
According to a statement from the UDOH Tobacco Prevention & Control Program, the rule requires all tobacco retailers that sell e-cigarette products to post notices regarding the dangers of vaping unregulated THC products.
It also restricts the sale of flavored e-cigarette products to retail tobacco specialty businesses.
There have been 71 cases of vaping-related injuries in Utah so far, and there are another potential 10 cases under review, according to UDOH’s statement. Of those afflicted, 45 had to be hospitalized and 26 had to spend time in the intensive care unit.
“Mounting evidence points to the vaping of unregulated THC products as a possible reason for this outbreak,” said Dr. Joseph Miner, executive director of the UDOH. “Youth and young adults have been hit especially hard. We know many young people who vape THC initially vape nicotine, especially flavored nicotine. Moving these products to age-restricted specialty shops will restrict young people’s access to them and can reduce the number of users who eventually move on to vaping THC.”
The UDOH reports that 94% of those with the vaping-related illness said they vaped THC products.
“One of our only tools for addressing this outbreak right now is communication,” said Ryan Bartlet of the UDOH Tobacco Prevention and Control Program. “Being able to communicate directly with individuals who are most at risk of developing lung injuries is a top priority.”
Retailers will have until Oct. 7 to comply. The emergency rule will remain in place for 120 days, and UDOH officials said they are working to implement a permanent rule in its place.
