The vaping illness outbreak has exploded over the last few months, with 1,299 cases and 29 deaths reported nationwide (and counting).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly three quarters of patients reported using THC-containing products. Unlike Massachusetts, Connecticut has not yet enacted a ban on the sale of all vaping products.

Still, some adult vapers are wondering: is there any safe and responsible way to vape?

"I think we are really not able to answer that question at this time until we are able to identify exactly which substance, what combination it is that's causing this illness," says Barbara Walsh, Tobacco Control Program manager. "We really can't give a statement on what is safe versus what's not safe."

Walsh, Yale University School of Medicine research postdoctoral fellow Jonas Schupp and Courant reporter Josh Kovner discuss (un)safe vaping on the latest Capitol Watch podcast.

(Bonus content: what exactly is "fire breather's pneumonia?")