The Dangers of Vaping Cartridges: What You Need to Know

Vaping cartridges have become increasingly popular in recent years, but they come with a range of potential risks. While some cartridges are regulated and tested, many are not, and can contain contaminants or the wrong additives in the wrong amounts. This can lead to serious health issues, such as lipoid pneumonia. In some cases, black market THC cartridges have been linked to respiratory illnesses.

Health researchers are now trying to determine if a particular toxin or substance has infiltrated the supply of vaping products, or if the risk is due to broader behavior. It's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with vaping cartridges. If you choose to vape, make sure you buy from a reputable source and follow all safety instructions. Vaping cartridges are small devices that contain liquid nicotine or THC, which is then vaporized and inhaled.

While these products can be purchased from authorized stores in states where marijuana is legal, they can also be bought from unauthorized black market sources. This is a major concern, as these products may contain contaminants or the wrong additives in the wrong amounts. In New York State, for example, the commissioner of the state Department of Health said that the vast majority of the 125 cases there were related to black market THC cartridges. An analysis by RAND revealed that the fastest-growing segment of the state legal cannabis market in Washington State (one of the first to legalize recreational marijuana) were “inhalation extracts,” which include pens and vape cartridges.

Liquid nicotine and THC can contain oils that can be safely swallowed, but that can damage the lungs when vaporized and converted into a mixture of unknown chemicals. This can lead to a condition known as lipoid pneumonia, which occurs when vaporized oils reach the lungs and trigger an immune response that causes inflammation and fluid accumulation. On Tuesday, the CDC's Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report released a study conducted in Utah that showed that 92 percent of the patients interviewed reported having vaped THC and, for the most part, with pre-filled cartridges before becoming ill. New York State also found vitamin E acetate in many of the cartridges that patients with respiratory diseases had used. It's important to be aware of these potential risks when using vaping cartridges.

Additionally, it's important to be aware of any new information about vaping-related illnesses so you can make informed decisions about your health.

Dewayne Padillo
Dewayne Padillo

Amateur zombie ninja. Amateur tv geek. Infuriatingly humble web enthusiast. Wannabe zombie lover. Amateur coffeeaholic.