A new study by conducted at Portland State University (PSU) revealed that that the toxic gas ketene is released when cannabinoid acetates are vaped.
Conducted by PSU’s Robert Strongin doctoral student Kaelas Munger, the study titled, “Vaping Cannabinoid Acetates Leads to Ketene Formation,” provided results based on one puff, which showed that ketene forms at lower temperature settings than previously thought, and that these levels are still dangerous to one’s health.
Ketene was identified in 2019 when following the infamous EVALI “outbreak” scientists were studying Vitamin E Acetate. In fact ketene was listed as the likely cause of the lung injury. However, explained Strongin, studying the full impact it has on the human body would be dangerous.
Munger, who conducted the research with Strongin, highlighted that most vapers take more than one single puff during a single vaping session, hence intake for vapers is likely higher. “The thing we’re most concerned about is prolonged exposure, we don’t know what that is,” said Munger. “That’s why papers like ours are needed. Otherwise people would be exposed to this really toxic substance and it’s really impossible to look for the evidence.”
The doctoral student added that ketene is virtually untraceable in the human body, because it is so reactive with biological molecules. “That’s why it is so necessary to continue investigating potential sources of human exposure,” he said.
Cannabis consumption is becoming more accepted
In other news, Australia’s latest National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS) has found that while cannabis consumption is becoming more widely accepted. Public support for supplying cigarettes to minors and a crackdown on vaping products are also growing.
Compiled by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the 2019 data was gathered from about 20,000 people aged 14 and above. The survey found that for the first time, 20% of respondents supported regular cannabis use, compared to 15% who support tobacco use. Moreover, 85% of Australians supported stricter regulations against sales to minors and about 7 in 10 thought the use of vapes in public places should be restricted.