Washington (AFP)

US health authorities announced Thursday an increase in the number of people affected by pulmonary diseases related to vaping, with 12 deaths and more than 800 probable or confirmed cases.

E-cigarettes are the cause of a recent epidemic in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the last CDC point on Thursday, 12 people died in 10 US states.

The authorities also mention 805 confirmed or probable cases of patients suffering from pulmonary problems related to the consumption of electronic cigarettes in 46 states and one US territory.

While the federal health authorities claim that all affected people have used e-cigarettes, they have not yet been able to determine the causes of these lung problems.

Their investigations did not identify any brand or product.

The first observations in some states, however, show that most refills involved contained THC, the psychoactive principle of cannabis.

These refills are mostly bought from dealers in the street or on the internet, since cannabis remains illegal in a part of the United States.

These deaths have already shaken up the nascent e-cigarette industry. Juul, the undisputed market leader, changed hands on Wednesday and decided to keep a low profile in an attempt to secure his future.

The day before, the state of Massachusetts has gone farthest among the federated states by announcing the total ban on the sale of vaping products for a period of four months.

© 2019 AFP