Vaping device CEO calls for government regulation of industry after sixth vaping-related death
Health officials in Kansas on Tuesday confirmed a 50-year-old woman died from severe respiratory illness related to vaping, making her the sixth fatality nationwide.
“The patient had a history of underlying health issues and was hospitalized with symptoms that progressed rapidly,” according to Kansas State Epidemiologist Dr. Farah Ahmed.
A report released last week from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said no evidence of infectious diseases has been identified in the 450 cases of vaping-related lung disease that have been documented. Patients report similar exposures and symptoms according to the CDC, “Therefore lung illnesses are likely associated with a chemical exposure. However, it is too early to pinpoint a single product or substance common to all cases.”
“We’re deeply concerned for the people affected. I think the entire industry is. We’re watching this very closely. We’re trying to identify, just as the regulators and legislators are, exactly what is causing this,” said Nick Kovacevich, CEO of KuschCo Holdings Inc. The company’s shares are publicly traded OTC (KSHB) and it is the parent company of Kush Supply, which makes vaping devices and accessories but not the actual products or liquids people inhale when they vape marijuana or nicotine.
“This is obviously something that’s come on very new, even though people have been vaping cannabis and CBD products for five to six years,” he said.
