OUTBREAK OF LUNG DISEASE REPORTED FOR USERS OF E-CIGARETTES

For the past several years, the popularity of e-cigarettes has been on the rise, and “vaping” has been marketed as a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, more and more information is coming out about the health hazards associated with vaping.  First, it was the numerous instances of vape devices and e-cigarettes exploding or catching on fire. Now, data and information has proven that these devices also present a serious danger to their users’ health, even when they function properly. In recent months, the number of serious or fatal cases of lung disease related to vaping has skyrocketed, and public health officials have warned against the use of e-cigarettes and vape pens.

Hundreds of Cases of Vaping-Related Lung Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 380 cases of lung illness have been reported that are related to the use of e-cigarettes, and this number is expected to increase as older cases continue to be examined. These cases have spanned 33 states, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. So far, six people have died due to vaping-related lung disease, with the first death being reported in Illinois in August of 2019.

Vaping devices are manufactured by numerous different companies. One popular brand is Juul. This brand has specifically marketed their devices to kids, offers eight different flavors with varying amounts of nicotine strength, and claim they are the safe alternative to cigarettes. However, experts say that one Juul pod delivers the same amount of nicotine to the body as a pack of cigarettes. As a result, after long term usage or even short term usage, e-cigarette users have experienced serious respiratory symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and fatigue, as well as related symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. The issue has affected people using a wide variety of vaping products, including those containing nicotine and cannabis-derived substances such as THC or CBD.

Due to the harm that may occur when using these products, the CDC has recommended that people refrain from using e-cigarettes or vape pens. While this recommendation applies to everyone, the CDC has also stated that teens, young adults, and pregnant women should not use vaping products. Anyone who has experienced the described symptoms after vaping should see a medical provider as soon as possible.

Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Attorney

For years, e-cigarettes have been promoted as a “safe” form of smoking by manufacturers, but this recent outbreak of illnesses demonstrates that these claims are untrue. Unfortunately, vaping has seen a massive increase in recent years, especially among teenagers and young adults. While the federal government and a number of states and cities across the country are beginning to take steps to regulate these products or even ban some of them completely, the fact remains that millions of people are currently using e-cigarettes, placing them at risk of serious injury.

At Pullano & Siporin, we are dedicated to providing legal help to those who have been injured by dangerous products. We have extensive experience prosecuting claims against the vape industry. If you have contracted lung disease or suffered any sort of harm after using a vape pen, we can help you determine your legal options for holding the product manufacturer responsible. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Chicago product liability lawyers today by calling 312-551-1100.

Sources:

https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/10/health/vaping-outbreak-2019-explainer/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

http://www.dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/tobacco/e-cigarettes-and-vapes

https://med.stanford.edu/tobaccopreventiontoolkit/E-Cigs/ECigUnit6.html

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