MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Health Department wants the use of vaping and e-cigarette devices to end immediately.
This comes after 16 people through Aug. 28have been hospitalized for severe chemical pneumonia. Milwaukee Commissioner of Health Dr. Jeanette Kowalik said all of these hospitalizations happened after some used vape products or dabbing (vaping marijuana oils, extracts or concentrates).
"It does kind of worry me," said Danielle Schultz, who was buying a new cartridge for her vape.
A Burlington man said his younger brother was one of the people hurt by vaping. Patrick Degrave said his brother Dylan was put into a coma after taking hits from a vape. Dylan had bought a new cartridge that contained THC.
"His lungs were consistently filling with fluid. They were constantly draining the fluid and from his heart being overworked," said Degrave.
It's why Alderman Michael Murphy said the health department here needed to act.
"In many respects, I wish we had done it earlier. After two people, we probably should have sent out the word sooner," said Murphy.
Even with this warning, no one we talked to said they would quit using their vape.
"I think vaping is a safer alternative than cigarettes or cigars," said Angela Riekens.
"In many respects, I wish we had done it earlier. After two people, we probably should have sent out the word sooner." — Alderman Michael Murphy
"I don't see myself quitting any time soon," said Schultz.
