The Strategist

Apple deletes vape apps from AppStore



11/19/2019 - 09:30



Apple has announced removal of 181 vaping-related apps from the App Store, CNBC reports. Developers will no longer be able to upload such programs to store. It is known that those applications that are already downloaded and located on users’ smartphones will not be blocked and will continue to work.



pixabay
pixabay
The motive for such a radical decision was the numerous reports of thousands of cases of pulmonary disease and dozens of deaths of vape users.

As follows from the current report of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2172 people were injured and 42 people died from a mysterious syndrome caused by vaping or electronic cigarettes.

Apple has been trying to distance itself from vaping-related apps since June of this year. Then, the company suspended deployment of new programs promoting the use of alternative smoking devices.

“We pay great attention to making the App Store a reliable place to download applications, especially for young people. We constantly evaluate applications and study relevant data in order to determine the risks to the health and well-being of users,” the company said then.

Mass deaths of vapers from an unknown cause began in the summer of 2019. The most common symptoms were cough, chest pain, lack of oxygen, fever, headache, loss of consciousness, diarrhea, anorexia, weight loss.

Bronchoscopy revealed that this disease is not infectious. Radiographs showed darkening in the lower part of the lungs; computed tomography revealed a decrease in the airiness of the pulmonary alveoli. However, treatment could not be selected due to an unknown cause of the disease.

Earlier this week, it became known that American scientists discovered the substance that could be a possible cause of death for vape enthusiasts. Dangerous consequences are allegedly caused by vitamin E acetate, an oily substance contained in almost all samples of vape liquids used by the victims.

It was found in all samples obtained by bronchoscopy of the lungs in the victims. It was also found in most fluid samples that were used shortly before the onset of symptoms.

However, it is still not clear exactly how vitamin E leads to the symptoms that vapers have suffered. In addition, the researchers note, it is not possible to deduct other potentially hazardous substances.

source: thetimes.co.uk