ALBANY – New York urges people to stop using vaping products temporarily.
“Heeding the warnings from CDC and at the direction of Governor Cuomo, today I am urging New Yorker to stop using vaping products while the investigation into the definitive cause of reported vaping-associated illnesses nationwide can be better determined,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker.
Noting there have been a number of deaths nationwide, the governor said there is an investigation ongoing. “Nobody knows exactly what it is. There is some suggestion that is linked to Vitamin E, et cetera. Our health guidance is no one should be using vaping products, period, until we know what it is,” he said.
Zucker said the Wadsworth Center, New York’s public health laboratory, is testing both cannabis and nicotine-containing vape products received from people experiencing serious lung-related illnesses.
Zucker said rigorous testing is also continuing on all vaping products authorized in the state’s medical marijuana program. “There have been no adverse events related to vaping among certified patients in this program since this investigation began. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are also urging patients in the medical marijuana program to consult with their health care providers on potential alternatives to vaping products while the investigation continues,” the commissioner said.
