City Of Milwaukee Urges Residents To Stop Vaping After 16 Are Hospitalized

The city of Milwaukee issued a health alert, urging residents to stop vaping "immediately," after at least 16 people were hospitalized with severe lung disease this month.

marijuana oils, extracts or concentrates -- in the weeks and months prior to being hospitalized. They were diagnosed with severe chemical pneumonia, an inflammation of the lungs due to aspirating or inhaling of irritants, according to a press release from the city's health department. The individuals all reported using vape products or dabbing -- which is the vaping of marijuana oils, extracts or concentrates -- in the weeks and months prior to being hospitalized. The specific products used were unknown.

Milwaukee's health commissioner, Dr. Jeanette Kowalik, said she is "committed to protecting the public from the dangers of secondhand exposure" to vaping devices or electronic cigarettes. The city's health department again "strongly encouraged" residents against using any THC products containing e-liquid. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the main active compound in cannabis.

City Of Milwaukee Urges Residents To Stop Vaping After 16 Are Hospitalized

Milwaukee urges residents to stop vaping immediately