Vaping-related illnesses rise in Canada and U.S.

A total of 13 vaping-associated lung illness have been reported in Canada, health officials say, and every U.S. state has now reportedcases.

U.S. health officials on Thursday reported one new case and one more death from a respiratory illness tied tovapingover a two-week period, bringing the number of deaths to 48.

As of Wednesday, there were 2,291 hospitalizationsreported to the U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 50 states, the District of Columbia, and two U.S. territories. There are more deaths under investigation, health officials said.

In Canada, as of Tuesday,13casesof vaping-associated lung illness have been reported to the Public Health Agency of Canada from British Columbia (three), New Brunswick (two), Ontario (three), and Quebec (five).

"Symptom onset was between May and October 2019. Ten people required admission to a hospital and all are now recovering at home," the agency said on its website.

Four patients presented with respiratory symptoms only (shortness of breath, cough), while nine had a combination of respiratory, gastrointestinaland other symptoms, such as fever or weight loss.

The agency said seven of the cases are male and six female.

In seven of the cases, people reported using nicotine only. In three, they reported using tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the high-inducing component of cannabis. One case involvedflavoured vaping liquid and two involved a combination of nicotine, THC and other substances.

Health officialsin Canada and the U.S. have serious concerns about vapingas the number of people showing up inhospital with vaping-related illnessesincreases.

This week, a CBC News investigation reported many e-cigarette liquids purchased in Canada contain harmful chemicals,including a suspected carcinogen banned in food in the U.S.Lab tests showedtwo chemicals in particularpulegone, a suspected carcinogen, and benzaldehyde.

Several provinces have moved to regulate vaping, including restrictions on advertising and promotion.