Virginia woman nearly dies after disposable vapes trigger rare lung disease

Zoe Shackleford, 29, of Strasburg, Virginia, switched from cigarettes to disposable vapes believing they would be a healthier option. On Aug. 17 she was rushed to the hospital with severe breathing trouble, and doctors diagnosed a rare inflammatory lung condition linked to inhaled substances.

Shackleford had started smoking at 18 and, after about four years, switched to e-cigarettes. For almost eight years she used refillable vape devices. Seeking more convenience, she switched to disposable vapes last month. The notes described a key difference: refillables tend to use regulated liquids and more durable coils, while disposables often employ cheaper metals and may include unlisted chemicals, synthetic nicotine, heavy sweeteners, or unknown additives. In her case, doctors later linked the episode to a chemical used in her disposable device that reacted with her lungs.

At the hospital, Shackleford recalls, "When I was first admitted to the hospital, I had only 50 percent of my airway open. It was completely closing off." Tests for pneumonia, bronchitis, and sepsis all came back negative as her breathing deteriorated. She remained in hospital for nine days, receiving supplemental oxygen, steroids to open her airways, and antibiotics to counter any possible infection. After discharge she was referred to a lung specialist for further evaluation and management.

Following a consultation, the specialist diagnosed hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) — a rare inflammatory response to inhaled substances that can inflame the tiny air sacs and airways and, if untreated, cause scarring. "He said I have something called hypersensitivity pneumonitis. He hasn't seen this in two years," Shackleford recalled. "The vape I was using had a chemical that was reacting negatively with my lungs — basically closing off my airway." HP is linked to exposure to mold, bird droppings, chemical vapors and other inhaled irritants.

HP is uncommon, affecting roughly one to three people per 100,000 each year, but it is well documented in settings where people are repeatedly exposed to irritants. Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, and joint pains. In Shackleford's case, doctors concluded the trigger was the disposable device she had switched to, though identifying a precise cause can be difficult in many HP cases.

Now home and recovering, Shackleford is on asthma medication and uses an inhaler twice daily. She has quit vaping and smoking, though she acknowledges the change has not been easy. "It's a little bit of a challenge because I do miss it, but I think I miss the motion more," she said. "I feel like I snack more now." She emphasizes that no craving is worth risking a life again.

Separately, a study published in June by the University of California tested seven flavored disposable vapes from three brands — ELF Bar, Flum Pebble and Esco — and found they released more cancer-causing toxic metals than cigarettes. The metals studied include lead, nickel, and chromium, which come from heating coils inside the devices and can leach into the vapor. One device released more lead in a single day than 20 packs of cigarettes, according to the study's findings. Researchers noted that while vaping can deliver nicotine with fewer of the tar-related toxins of traditional cigarettes, the presence of heavy metals raises serious health concerns, including risks of cancer, asthma, and potential long-term lung damage.

Vaping has surged in popularity among youth and adults in recent years. In 2024, about 3.5 percent of U.S. middle schoolers and 7.8 percent of high schoolers reported vaping in the past 30 days, roughly 410,000 middle school students and 1.21 million high school students. Adult use has risen from 4.5 percent in 2019 to 6.5 percent in 2023. Health officials caution that these trends complicate efforts to reduce nicotine exposure and prevent nicotine addiction among younger populations.

Shackleford's experience underscores the unpredictable health risks of vaping and the potential for severe reactions even among long-term users who believed they were making a safer switch. "If you can get to a point of stopping, I would — that was one of the scariest experiences of my life," she said. "Honestly, it's not worth it."