Palmetto Report

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — An Alabama man has become the state’s first death related to lung disease associated with vaping, officials announced Wednesday (Oct. 2). It’s the 17th vaping-related death in the U.S. after officials in Virginia and New Jersey announced confirmed cases the day before (Oct. 1). Amanda Harris, reporter for The Herald in Rock Hill, spoke with the Palmetto Report to discuss the issue and its impact in South Carolina. Harris covers health and education in York, Chester and Lancaster counties. In February, she reported on students in Clover who were caught vaping in school. So far, vaping-related deaths have been reported in 14 states, including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska and Oregon. Harris said she thinks the recent deaths may encourage people to think twice about using electronic-cigarettes. “I think more awareness is needed, so people understand that these (e-cigarettes) are not safe, even though they’re not a regular c