MD Anderson response to FDA and CDC statements on e-cigarettes

MD Anderson News Release August 30, 2019

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center supports efforts by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate recent incidents of respiratory illnesses, including one death, reported after e-cigarette use.

MD Anderson supports the CDC health advisory issued today that states “youth, young adults, pregnant women, as well as adults who do not currently use tobacco products should not use e-cigarettes.” The advisory warns of severe pulmonary disease associated with using e-cigarettes, following the report of more than 200 possible cases from 25 states.

“The long-term health effects of e-cigarettes are unknown, but they should not be considered harmless,” said Ernest Hawk, M.D., division head and vice president of Cancer Prevention & Population Sciences. “The recent incidents associated with using these products are concerning. We encourage all children and adults to avoid these and other tobacco products while we await further evidence and FDA regulation.”

E-cigarettes are not currently approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation tool. MD Anderson offers programs to help Texas residents quit smoking. Learn more at www.nicotinestudy.com or call the Texas Quitline at 1(877) YES-QUIT.