Vaping and electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, have become popular alternatives to traditional tobacco products. However, many public health experts have begun to identify significant health hazards associated with them. One such example is a condition identified by the Centers for Disease Control known as EVALI. EVALI stands for e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury. The CDC says that at least 2,000 people have developed this injury. In addition, about seven people have died from illnesses and complications associated with vaping. Fires, explosions, and serious burns have also been reported by users of vaping and e-cigarette products.
As injuries and diseases continue to be reported, officials have identified the cause of at least a few of them. On November 8, the CDC stated that vitamin E acetate could be responsible for some illnesses. Unfortunately, many of the causes are still unclear. Regardless, if you’ve been hurt in some way by vaping or e-cigarette devices, you need to take action. And that starts with understanding the problem.
Vaping is a practice of heating a liquid, often called vape juice, in an electronic vaping or e-cigarette device. The device heats up the juice, creating a vapor that is breathed in and out. The vapor cloud that is produced resembles cigarette smoke. Vape juice comes in many different flavors, and there are also numerous devices in which it can be used. The juices typically contain nicotine along with other chemical compounds and additives. Some users vape CBD oil or marijuana-infused juices.
The industry has been criticized for targeting young people with certain flavors of vape juice. One example of these flavors is cotton candy. These practices have led many critics to liken the vape industry to Big Tobacco and the litigation of the 1990s. Indeed, middle and high schools have adopted the practice of vaping in startling numbers.
Some of the health risks that may be connected to vaping and e-cigarettes include the following:
- Nicotine addiction
- Lung damage, including popcorn lung
- Exposure to dangerous chemical compounds and additives
- Breathing problems
- Heart and cardiovascular and problems
- Strokes
- Seizures
- Cancer
- Aggravation of other conditions, such as asthma
Fires and explosions have also been reported by users of vaping and e-cigarette devices. Victims have experienced severe burns and scarring as a result. According to media reports, at least two victims have died. These injuries have been linked to malfunctioning vape batteries and chargers.
New York has responded to the dangers of vaping, at least partly, by banning most flavored vape juices and e-cigarettes. As calls for more regulations mount, other states may adopt their own rules. The industry, however, is still evolving. Many believe it will take court action to make changes, or to at least hold the major companies responsible. The attorneys of Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. are investigating vape and e-cigarette injury cases. If you or a loved one have been hurt, you may be eligible for compensation.
Companies are obligated to warn consumers about known hazards associated with their products. If they fail to do so, people could get hurt or even killed. When someone is injured because of a defective or dangerous product, the company may be held liable. With respect to vaping, critics have accused the industry of failing to provide adequate warnings to users.
Potential compensation for vaping and e-cigarette victims includes:
- Medical expenses
- Prescription drug costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
If You’ve Been Injured, Let Us Help
Our personal injury law firm is committed to helping victims who have been injured by dangerous and defective products. If you or a loved one have been hurt by vaping or e-cigarette devices, call Gacovino, Lake & Associates, P.C. We can meet with you to discuss your options, and demand the compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today.
