Recently, people across the United States have begun experiencing serious lung injuries after using e-cigarettes. As of October 1, 2019, there have been more than 1,000 cases of lung disease reported, and at least 18 people have died. Officials have been investigating this outbreak, but the specific cause of these lung injuries has not yet been identified. However, new research has revealed some disturbing information about the harmful effects of e-cigarette use.
Study Compares Vaping to Poisonous Gas Exposure
While e-cigarettes are purported to be safer than traditional cigarettes, the current outbreak of lung disease indicates that the inhalation of chemicals vaporized by these devices may be dangerous. As officials work to identify the cause of these illnesses, scientists have begun studying the cases to determine the full effects of these types of injuries. After analyzing samples of lung tissue from 17 patients, researchers from the Mayo Clinic found that the damage was similar to injuries that occur following the inhalation of toxic chemicals.
In the cases studied, patients experienced damage to lung tissue that resulted in the death of lung cells. This damage caused the swelling of tissue, which can block the passage of air through the lungs. The accumulation of dead cells and fluids in the lungs can also cause the blockage of oxygen, rendering a patient unable to breathe.
Due to the severity of the lung damage in these cases, patients may need to use a ventilator in order to process oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. In some cases, patients may not be able to recover full function in their lungs, and it is likely that people will experience chronic respiratory problems.
As investigators have looked into the outbreak of lung illness, one concern they raised was the possibility that oils used in the substances being inhaled were causing clogging in the lungs. These oils included vitamin E acetate, which is used in many vape products, or the THC or CBD oils in marijuana-derived vaping substances. However, this study did not find any signs of oil accumulation in patients’ lungs, which suggests that injuries are being caused by other chemicals included in vaping products.
Contact a Cook County Vaping Injury Attorney
If you have experienced a lung injury or illness after using e-cigarettes or vape pens, Pullano & Siporin can help you understand your legal options and provide you with legal representation as you pursue compensation from a negligent product manufacturer. We have extensive experience prosecuting personal injury cases involving e-cigarettes, and we will work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our Chicago e-cigarette injury lawyers today at 312-551-1100 to schedule a free consultation.
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