CHAIRMAN KRISHNAMOORTHI'S OPENING STATEMENT

PURPOSE

The hearing will examine the outbreak of lung illness associated with using e-cigarette products; the causes of the outbreak; the CDC and state health officials warning against the use of e-cigarettes; and CDC reports that youth use of e-cigarettes has risen again.

As of September 11, 2019, CDC has identified 380 cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarette products in 36 states and 1 U.S. territory.  The outbreak has resulted in at least six deaths in California, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, and Oregon.

CDC, state health departments, and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating the multistate outbreak.  The investigation has not identified a cause and has not identified any specific substance or e-cigarette product that is linked to all cases.

Although various e-cigarette manufacturers such as JUUL have marketed their products as safe, the CDC warned the public to “consider not using e-cigarette products.”  The statement applies to all e-cigarette products, as CDC is unable to rule any out as a cause of lung illness.

Aside from the recent lung illness outbreak, the long-term health effects of continued e-cigarette use remain unknown as the scientific community continues to study the health hazard posed by e-cigarettes.