Mysterious lung illnesses in the United States are being linked to vaping, but health officials in New Zealand have not received any such reports here, according to an article in the NZherald.
No reports any lung conditions could be linked to vaping had been lodged with the Ministry of Health as of Friday but concerns had been raised.
The main issue appeared to be what was being vaped, a ministry spokesperson told the Herald.
“THC [tetrahydrocannabinol] from unlicensed sources purchased on the street has been identified in at least some of the cases.
“Inappropriately administered substances, adulterated or contaminated products appears highly likely. At this stage it is difficult to know what exactly is causing the problem,” according to the article.
Director of Alt New Zealand and local vape retailer Vapo, Ben Pryor, said reports from the United States were misleading and deceiving.
“There is not one confirmed report that connects quality-controlled nicotine vaping products with any of these lung problems,” he said.
“The real news out of the United States is that some consumers have been vaping poison they purchased off the street
“These reports not only highlight the reason you should always purchase from a reputable retailer, but also the need for regulation in our industry.”
On Saturday, it was alleged the first person who had one of the lung illnesses in the United States had died.