WASHINGTON — Vaping, or smoking oils or juices with e-cigarettes has turned deadly for some people across the country.
As of Sunday, the CDC reports that six people have died from vaping-related lung illnesses. The center also reports 380 cases of lung illnesses connected to vaping.
But, do these warnings deter users?
WUSA9 set up on the National Mall and U-Street in D.C. to ask first, if people vaped and if news of deaths affected their decision to continue or not.
Bronte Beale said she only occasionally vapes, probably once a month.
"But, it is something that I would use, just because I have asthma, and it is something that wouldn’t affect me as much," she said.
Brenda Malone, who's from Ireland, said vaping saved her from a worse habit.
“I did vape for about six months after being a smoker for 20 years, so …it was very helpful to get off smoking, but I’m from Europe and the regulations are very different," she said. "So, I wouldn’t want to encourage people to vape, because clearly it’s a problem.”
The CDC is still working to determine a specific cause of the illnesses and if they can link them a specific vaping product.
For Renny Holland, it's enough knowing people potentially died because of vaping to stop.
"I'm not going to do it anymore, because I don't want to die," he said.
The American Medical Association also recommends users stop vaping until more research reveals the causes of the recent outbreak.
“It’s definitely really scary," said Beale. "I am wondering why all the sudden it’s happening now, where that’s coming from, because vaping has been around for years."
Until she can answer that question, she plans to cut back.