Senator Baldwin calls for action in wake of vaping-related lung injuries

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- More cases of severe lung disease have been linked to vaping in Wisconsin and around the country.

The epidemic is prompting lawmakers to take action.

The State Department of Health Services reports that there are now 60 cases of lung diseases involving vaping in Wisconsin. That's up from 48 last week. 

Meanwhile, the CDC reports the number of vaping-related injury cases has gone up to 805, with 12 deaths across ten states.

The CDC says it's still investigating the specific causes of those lung injuries, adding it has not pinpointed a specific product such as liquids, refill pods or cartridges as the root cause.

The issue is drawing action from lawmakers.

On Thursday, Senator Tammy Baldwin submitted a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, calling on them to hold a hearing on the outbreak of lung diseases related to vaping.

In her letter, Baldwin says Wisconsin has been on the front lines of the outbreak, adding that the committee can gain important information if it hears directly from state and local health entities working on the ground.

Baldwin is a member of that committee and hopes to hold that hearing in the near future.