Warnings have been issued over the danger of fake "THC" or "cannabis oil" vapes which could contain a dangerous chemical.
Laboratory testing showed products collected in Greater Manchester contained high levels of vitamin E acetate, a chemical which can produce a toxic gas.
A recent test on a vape pen found in the region contained 40 per cent THC along with 33 per cent vitamin E acetate.
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When inhaled, the vitamin E acetate can cause lung injuries, according NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care. Between 2019 and 2020, there were nearly 3,000 hospital admissions and 68 deaths associated with vitamin E acetate in THC vape pens in the USA.
There is no way of knowing if your THC vape liquid contains vitamin E acetate so advice is to not use illegally sold THC vape liquid or pens.
Vape liquid is sold in small plastic bottles. The vitamin E acetate is an oily chemical which can be added to the liquid to thicken or dilute it to make it go further.
Sarah Price, chief officer for population health and inequalities for NHS Greater Manchester, said: “It’s important that the public, particularly young people, understand the dangers using these illegal vaping products can have on their health. I would also encourage parents and carers of young people to discuss the risks of vaping with them.
“We know that many people use vapes as an aid to help them stop smoking cigarettes however, THC vapes are illegal and so their contents go unregulated.
“Therefore, it is impossible to know if what you are inhaling is safe, so the safest thing you can do it not to take them. You can find information on using vapes to help you stop smoking at www.makesmokinghistory.co.uk.
“If you have used a THC vape pen or THC vape liquid, monitor yourself for symptoms including a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain and promptly seek medical attention if you have concerns about your health using 111 Online or dialling 999 in an emergency.”
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