State Reps. Abdullah Hammoud (D-Dearborn) and Joe Bellino (R-Monroe) introduced bipartisan legislation this week that would ban the sale of vapor products containing vitamin E acetate in Michigan. This additive is a synthetic variant of vitamin E and has been closely linked to e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI).

Vaping marijuana and nicotine products has increased dramatically in recent years, with young adults between the ages of 19 and 22 accounting for some of the most drastic demographic impacts. During the ongoing global pandemic, vaping has also been found to place this same age group at a much higher risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing complications.

“As our state faces another public health crisis seriously endangering the lung health of our residents, this is a public health concern we cannot afford to brush off,” said Hammoud. “It is critical that we take action to prevent any further harm brought by this dangerous chemical.”

Among nationally reported cases as of early 2020, 96 percent of EVALI cases required hospitalization, totaling more than 2,600 reported cases across all 50 states, in addition to Washington, D.C. and two American territories. More than 65 EVALI deaths have been confirmed in 29 states—including Michigan— and the District of Columbia.