Summer 2020
Study: Chronic Exposure to inhaled nicotine alone leads to pulmonary hypertension.
Reviewed by James Ives, M. Psych, May 4, 2020.
A study conducted by a team of researchers at LSU Health New Orleans has shown for the first time that chronic exposure to inhaled nicotine alone increases blood pressure (hypertension), in both the body's general circulation and in the lungs that can lead to pulmonary hypertension.
The study also found that nicotine-induced pulmonary hypertension is accompanied by changes in the size, shape and function (remodeling) of the blood vessels in the lung and the right lower chamber of the heart. Results are published in the May 2020 issue of Hypertension.
FDA Turns Up the Heat on Vaping Products Designed to Attract Kids.
Hiram Reisner, May 4, 2020.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued 10 warning letters to retailers and manufacturers who sell, manufacture and/or import electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) — products the agency says are targeted to youth or likely to promote use by youth.
“The warning letters were sent to establishments marketing unauthorized products, such as a backpack and sweatshirt designed with stealth pockets to hold and conceal an e-cigarette, ENDS products that resemble smartwatches, or devices appearing as children’s toys such as a portable video game system or fidget spinner,” the FDA said in a statement.
A new warning: Vaping and smoking may increase risk that COVID-19 will hit you hard
By Felice J. Freyer Globe Staff,Updated April 9, 2020
Attorney General Maura Healey and Massachusetts General Hospital warned that smoking and vaping may increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, in an advisory sent Thursday to medical professionals, educators, and parent and advocacy groups.
Healey and Mass. General assert that smoking and vaping damage the lungs and weaken the immune system, putting people at greater risk of needing hospitalization and advanced life support if they become infected.
Vaping and e-cigarettes: Adding fuel to the coronavirus fire?
Experts say it makes sense that vaping could aggravate the symptoms of COVID-19.
Dr. Chloë E. Nunneley March 26, 2020
New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week warns that young people may be more impacted by COVID-19 than was initially thought, with patients under the age of 45 comprising more than a third of all cases, and one in five of those patients requiring hospitalization.
