Tobacco has long been linked to lung cancer. Cigarette manufacturers were forced to stop advertising their products in 1970. The government also required them to put warning labels on their products so consumers could be informed of the risks before buying. When e-cigarettes came along, though, the public believed them to be a safe alternative to traditional tobacco products. However, e-cigarettes and severe pulmonary disease have now been linked. What does this mean for consumers, particularly those harmed by e-cigarette use?
The 4-1-1 on E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes consist of a device that produces a vapor that delivers nicotine and other additives. Flavors can be added to the product. Other names for e-cigarettes include vape pens and vapes. In fact, using an e-cigarette is often called vaping.
The first patents for smokeless nontobacco cigarettes were granted in 1965. However, their popularity rose after 2003, when the devices were improved upon. Since 2007, e-cig sales have increased rapidly, especially among teens.
Using e-cigarette products still exposes people to dangerous substances, including tobacco. In fact, researchers and medical professionals have seen a link between e-cigarettes and severe pulmonary disease.
Health Consequences of E-Cigarette Use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified illnesses associated with vaping, including:
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath,
- Chest pain,
- Gastrointestinal disorders, and
- Respiratory illness, including severe pulmonary disease.
A pulmonary disease affects the lungs and respiratory system. Some common diseases include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, pulmonary disease can be caused by “infection, smoking tobacco, or breathing in secondhand tobacco smoke…”
E-Cigarettes and Severe Pulmonary Disease Can Lead to Lawsuits
In fact, people affected by vaping have filed lawsuits against e-cigarette manufacturer Juul and other companies associated with the product. In addition to the apparent causes of action, people might sue because companies marketed e-cigarettes as safer than traditional tobacco products.
Have you or someone you know developed severe pulmonary disease or nicotine addiction because of vaping? If so, you might be entitled to compensation.
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