RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA News) – There have been a lot of unanswered questions regarding possible negative health impacts of vaping, as South Dakota becomes one of 33 states reporting illnesses or death related to vaping. The state health department has reported two confirmed cases of vaping-related illness among residents aged 20 to 24.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network says that South Dakota continues to fall short when it comes to implement policies and passing legislation to prevent and reduce suffering and death from cancer, according to the lasts edition of their progress report – How Do You Measure Up – a report on legislative activity. This year’s report includes a special section examining efforts to stem youth tobacco product use by raising the legal age of sale for tobacco to 21.

Government Relations Director David Benson said there is a lot of talk about bringing this legislation back this session.

He called the youth e cig use an epidemic, and puts a spotlight on the important need to raise the age of sale of tobacco.

ACS CAN says that e cigs have driven a dramatic 36 percent rise in youth tobacco product use in the past year.

Meanwhile the CDC has recommended that people suspend their use of e cigs while the CDC investigates. While it’s not yet clear what is causing the illnesses, the cannabinoid ingredients, like THC and CBD oils, which are also delivered by a an emulsifier, which is a vitamin e acetate.

Just last week Michigan became the first state to ban sales of flavored e cigs in a move that governor said will curb teen vaping. There is also a ban expected to start this week in Grand Island Nebraska.

The House Health Committee of the South Dakota legislature had passed a bill in 2018, but it died on the house floor.