An Increase in Reported Vaping-Related Illnesses Leads to Investigation into the Safety of Vaping Devices
Due to an increase in reports of vaping-related illnesses in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Health is investigating five cases of severe lung illness in individuals who experienced respiratory symptoms after vaping in the last two months. Here, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter Angelos discuss the growing investigation regarding vaping-related illness and what this recent news may mean to individuals who use vaping devices such as Juuls and other e-cigarettes.
Use of Vaping Products Has Increased in Recent Years
The use of vaping products, such as Juuls, has increased dramatically in recent years, with unit sales increasing more than 600% in 2017. Additionally, from 2017 to 2018, the use of e-cigarettes increased by 78% for high schoolers and 48% for middle schoolers. The popularity of Juuls can be attributed to its sleek and attractive design as well as the company’s alleged marketing tactics that cater to teenagers and young adults. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently investigating Juul’s questionable marketing tactics and whether or not the company targets minors.
Vaping Has Been Linked to a Variety of Respiratory Illnesses
As a result of recent reports of individuals suffering from serious lung conditions due to vaping, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) is investigating the link between vaping and a variety of severe lung illnesses. According to the MDH, patients have reported experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, pain when breathing, pain when coughing, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. While none of these cases have proven fatal, there have been over 200 reported vaping-related illnesses in 22 states with one of those cases resulting in death.
Medical Studies Show a Potential Link Between Vaping and Illness
As a response to the concern that vaping causes respiratory illness, medical researchers and doctors have begun investigating the growing issue. In one particular study, researchers from Duke and Yale found that the chemicals in vape juice can undergo reactions in certain conditions. These reactions can cause harm to the body and can occur even if the liquid in the vape juice is not heated. An additional study that looked at 31 nonsmokers who puffed on nicotine-free e-cigarette aerosol had temporary inflammation on the inner lining of their blood vessels. Ultimately, these two medical studies in addition to further ongoing studies point to a potential link between vaping and health hazards including inflammation and respiratory illness.
Speak to the Team of Product Liability Attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter Angelos
The increased use of popular e-cigarettes, such as Juuls, is a concerning issue—especially as reports of vaping-related lung illnesses continues to increase. If you have experienced coughing, vomiting, nausea, pain while breathing or other symptoms as a result of vaping, talk to a medical professional immediately about your symptoms. If you or a loved one has experienced a severe illness after using a vaping device, it is imperative to contact a consumer product liability attorney at The Law Offices of Peter Angelos, who can help you pursue legal action.