LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Both Walgreens and Kroger, owner of Smiths stores in Las Vegas, have announced they will end sales of e-cigarette related products once they've exhausted their current stocks.
The decision came after more than 1,000 vaping related lung injuries and 24 deaths were reported in the U.S.
Three vaping related lung injuries had been reported in Clark County as of early October.
Local doctor Tracy Wakefield said the decision wouldn't greatly affect availability of vape products, but it could send current users a message.
"There's obviously no problem locating these products," Wakefield said, "but I think it will let people step back and realize this is a major concern, and right now we don't have all the information."
Wakefield said many people who began vaping switched from smoking tobacco products, and these recent illness reports shouldn't be used as a reason to transition back to thier former habits.
She said both products could be harmful to someone's health and should be avoided.
