Vaping is the Next Tobacco Lawsuit Waiting to Happen
Vaping has recently become a significant headline in our news as the popularity of using vape pens increases, with little known about the long term consequences and potential health risks. While it was initially designed as an alternative to traditional cigarettes for adults, vape pens have become commonplace for teens and young adults. With misleading marketing campaigns and flavors that target young consumers, vaping lawsuits are beginning to build up as this new generation of addictive products may be tied to serious lung illnesses.
What is Vaping?
E-cigarettes, vape pens, vaporizers, or hookah pens. Under a range of labels, these products use batteries to turn a liquid into an inhalable vapor rather than burning tobacco. Originally marketed as an alternative to smoking, since 2010 there has been a shift to younger audiences with no history of smoking.
Vape fluids are usually fruit-flavored and are advertised as a harmless, easy to use and satisfying experience. Marketing campaigns from companies like Juul feature young adults, while the packaging is sleek and appealing.
How Dangerous is Vaping?
Because vape pens aren’t a direct tobacco product, they’ve escaped the scrutiny and regulations that apply to cigarettes. But, the pens contain nicotine, and like traditional tobacco products can be highly addicting, and the CDC now recognizes a mysterious lung condition associated with vaping, commonly referred to as “Vape Lung.” Just this month, there have been more than 300 cases of Vape Lung, six of which resulted in death.
Because vape pens are a relatively new product, there hasn’t been extensive research on its effects on the body. Just like in the early days of cigarettes, there could be a wide range of misconceptions of how dangerous vaping is. Many cases of Vape Lung involve people using modified devices and fluids, though it’s unknown if that’s the cause.
Vaping Lawsuits
One of the landmark vaping lawsuits involves Juul, the largest vape pen manufacturer. In 2015, Maxwell Berger began using the product and thought the marketing from Juul made vaping look safe, non-addictive and hip. However, he developed a severe addiction, and in 2017 he suffered a devastating stroke at the age of 20. He is now suing Juul for the deliberate concealment of the true dangers of vaping and marketing to those under the age of 26.
The FDA is now also investigating seizures related to vaping, which could result in more lawsuits. The common thread in these cases is that vape pen producers, like Juul, act irresponsibly by marketing to young consumers without being transparent about the dangers of vaping.
Understanding the Dangers of Vaping
It can be tempting to believe there is a completely harmless alternative to smoking. While public consumption of tobacco products has fallen, vaping is not recommended as a substitute. Up until 1999, tobacco companies told us that traditional cigarettes were safe. And, now they’re telling us vaping is safe. Only as these products cause more harm will the dangers of vaping truly become apparent.
If you or a loved one has been affected by vaping products, contact Avera & Smith. With decades of experience under our belts, we aren’t afraid to stand up to big tobacco or big corporations. Why settle for less?