KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has to date recorded 14 cases involving of Malaysian vape users aged 30 to 35 who suffered from E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use Associated Lung Injury (EVALI).
The ministry's Disease Control Division Deputy Director, Dr Noraryana Hassan, said this was a significant indicator to highlight vaping as a health hazard.
She said the relatively small number is attributed to the findings still being in its preliminary stages. Further assessment, she said, is being done by health providers to extensively record EVALI cases.
"We will ask all healthcare providers not only from government facilities but also the private sector.
"If you diagnose someone with EVALI, please notify us so that we can have a proper monitoring of the health impacts related to the usage of electronic cigarettes."
Dr Noraryana said the heating process of vaping liquids produce heavy metals and when inhaled, will cause irritation of the lining of the lungs.
She said the EVALI cases involved habitual vapers and those who have been vaping for at least more than one year.
As for another medical condition known as 'Popcorn Lung', a rare condition that results from damage of the lungs' small airways, she added that the ministry has yet to receive any information from healthcare providers.
"Similarly, if you have in fact diagnosed patients with the condition and have vaping habits, please come forward and notify us."