In a concerning health development, Tomsk has recorded its first instance of EVALI, widely known as "popcorn disease." This alarming diagnosis, which is seen in adolescents who use electronic cigarettes and vapes, has raised numerous health warnings among authorities. EVALI, or Electronic-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury, manifests through serious inflammation and damage to the small airways, leading to severe health complications.
According to TASS, the regional Rospotrebnadzor reported on March 19, 2025, that this disease has already resulted in health issues among adolescents in Tomsk after the use of similar smoking mixtures. One diagnosed patient has confirmed EVALI, while another shows the toxic effects of these mixtures on the central nervous system.
EVALI is characterized by symptoms related to obliterating bronchiolitis, which involves inflammation, scarring, and a narrowing of the bronchioles. Patients often exhibit sounds in their lungs resembling the crackle of popping popcorn during examination. As a result, authorities caution against the use of vaping substances, particularly those containing the flavoring agent diacetyl, which has been linked to serious lung diseases when inhaled over time.
This phenomenon isn't new. EVALI cases first surfaced in the United States in 2019, and since then, medical professionals have struggled to find effective treatments for this debilitating condition. The fact that there is no effective treatment presently heightens the urgency for preventive measures, particularly among minors.
Tomsk's Department of Health has taken action against the alarming trend, with fines for selling tobacco products, including vaping devices, to minors being issued. The penalties include significant fines ranging from 200,000 to 2 million rubles, depending on the kind of entity involved in the sale. This measure is in hopes of curbing the rising trend of vaping among youth.
Medical experts emphasize the importance of widespread awareness about EVALI. Aleksandr Pal'man, a pulmonologist from the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, explained that the exact cause of EVALI is still not fully understood. The reactions to vaping substances might depend heavily on individual factors, alongside the chemical nuances of the vape liquids themselves.
Furthermore, Pal'man warns against self-medication, especially with antibiotics that aren't effective against this lung injury. The need for timely medical intervention is critical as symptoms can mimic those of viral infections, often delaying correct detection and treatment.
As such, both health officials and medical professionals are urging teenagers and their families to seek immediate medical advice if symptoms such as shortness of breath progress. They caution that early recognition and intervention could prevent life-threatening complications.
Even more concerning is that the adolescent demographic, who often do not recognize the risks associated with vaping, might continue to use products laced with dangerous substances, potentially leading to further increases in EVALI cases.
This call for awareness and regulation aligns with international trends to tackle the vaping epidemic among young people. To reduce the popularity of flavored vape products, the Russian Ministry of Health introduced a ban on the sale of flavored liquids effective March 1, 2024. The hope is that less appealing vape options will dissuade a growing number of users.
The overall landscape of public health is now closely tied to preventive action and education about the dangers associated with vaping products. The implications of ongoing EVALI cases highlight the necessity for a dedicated effort to protect the health of younger populations, as they stand disproportionately vulnerable in the ongoing vaping crisis.
