It’s the hottest new thing in smoking—literally. Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, is embraced worldwide by teenagers and adults alike. Kids as young as 11 have begun this new form of smoking, and have never touched traditional cigarettes. Despite the idea that it can help cigarette smokers kick the habit, the evidence has not shown that to be true. The FDA has not reviewed or approved these devices for smoking cessation.
While vaping does contain less chemicals than cigarettes, these electronic versions are actually not safer to use. Smokers trying to quit have come to rely on these devices, while others have begun a new vaping habit with an addiction to nicotine.
How It Works
Unlike traditional cigarettes that involve inhaling burning plant material, e-cigarettes heat nicotine that’s infused into a water vapor. This battery-powered unit heats the combination of water, oils and other substances that are in a sealed pod, producing a vapor inhaler containing nicotine and a host of other chemicals. Many contain flavorings, which appeal to younger users. However, the amount of nicotine in these pods is well over the amount in cigarettes, and there are additional chemicals used to produce the vapor. They also don’t smell like cigarettes, adding to their appeal.
A 2016 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) found little evidence of effectiveness in smoking cessation. Many public health organizations are concerned about younger users vaping as a gateway to traditional cigarette smoking. In December of 2019, the federal government raised the age for buying all tobacco products, including e-cigarette products, to 21 throughout the US.
Injuries From Vaping With E-Cigarettes
Even though e-cigarettes have been on the market since 2003, long-term effects are still becoming evident. Some of the most popular brands are Vuse, JUUL, Prologic and Blu.
The CDC has reported 54 deaths related to vaping, and more than 2,000 injuries. The AMA recently called for a ban on all vaping-related products.
Some of the injuries and side effects of these smoking products include:
- Nicotine addiction
- Seizures from nicotine poisoning
- “Popcorn lung”
- “Wet Lung”
- Hemorrhagic strokes
- Raised heart rate and high blood pressure
- Increased asthma symptoms
- Nausea and other stomach ailments
- Increased anxiety/depression symptoms
- Coughing, wheezing, and other upper respiratory symptoms
- Chest pains
- Irritation in the mouth and throat
- Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP)
- Cancers of the lung
- Death
Tampering with a vaping device and using “black market” pods can also cause injuries, especially pods that contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Additionally, batteries in some devices have also exploded and caught fire, causing users to experience burn injuries. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports an estimated 2,035 burns and other injuries in the US from e-cigarettes between 2015 and 2017. These are separate from the health-related vaping injuries.
Compensation For E-Cigarette Injuries
Companies are supposed to ensure that products sold to US consumers are safe to use. However, marketing electronic devices that deliver high doses of nicotine to the general public—and especially flavored ones to younger users—is not only negligent, but may also fall under product liability law.
Compensation for these injuries may include:
- Pain & suffering
- Medical treatments and other related expenses
- Disability
- Lost earnings, including future earnings
Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to learn more about what kind of compensation you may be entitled to receive.
E-cigarette And Vaping Injury Attorney
The Love Law Firm has been helping people in Charleston, WV with personal injury cases for more than 20 years.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by vaping or using e-cigarettes, contact us at The Love Law Firm, or call us at (304) 344 5683. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our consultation is always free, and we only collect if we win your case.
