The rise of electronic cigarettes in recent years has been explosive. E-cigarette company Juul Labs, Inc. charged into the scene in 2015, and in just three years, they held a 72% market share. They marketed themselves as a “healthier” alternative to smoking tobacco, even though it never received the official stamp of approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Between 2011 and 2018, the US saw the rise of e-cigarette use among high school students, which had increased from 220,000 to more than 3 million. It’s clear that the company’s sleek USB-shaped device, marketing tactics with young models, high nicotine content, and appealing flavors struck a chord among the youth.
But their downfall may be just as quick as their rise. In September 2018, the FDA issued a warning letter to Juul, stating they had violated regulations for failing to secure federal approval to promote and sell its products as a healthier option. That following day, they announced a series of enforcement actions related to the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes to kids, the largest coordinated enforcement effort in the administration’s history.
Risks of Vaping
Ingredients are harmful to the lungs. Scientists are still investigating a national outbreak of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated with lung injuries (EVALI). But the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA announced they had received reports with a total of 2,758 hospitalized EVALI cases or deaths.
E-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine, which are extremely addictive and can harm the developing adolescent brain.
Defective e-cigarette batteries have caused fires and explosions, which have resulted in serious injuries.
In some cases, children and adults have been poisoned by swallowing, breathing, or absorbing e-cigarette liquid through their skin.
Enlist the Help of The Law Office of Rene A. Flores PLLC
If you or your child have been injured due to an e-cigarette or vaping device, our personal injury attorney at The Law Office of Rene A. Flores PLLC is here to help. Companies like Juul may be held liable for their negligence, and you may able to receive compensation through a product liability suit.
Call our Hidalgo County office at (956) 606-3606 to schedule a free consultation today.