The first commercially successful electronic cigarette was created in Beijing, China in 2003. Since then, the devices have become incredibly popular. While the full health risks aren’t yet known, there are some e-cig users who are developing health conditions as a result of regular vaping. If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition related to JUUL products, a Little Rock JUUL e-cigarette lawsuit could get you the compensation you need to recover.
The Growing Popularity of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes, also referred to as e-cigs, vapes, e-hookahs, vape pens, and electronic nicotine delivery systems, produce an aerosol by heating liquid that typically contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Users inhale the aerosol into their lungs. The different types include tanks and mods, rechargeables, and disposables. While vaping is currently considered less harmful than regular cigarettes, they are not harmless. Nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents are still present.
E-cigarettes are commonly used by young people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3.6 million students used e-cigarettes as of 2018, including 4.9% of middle schoolers and 20.8% of high schoolers. In 2017 it was estimated that 2.8% of all U.S. adults were current e-cig users, 58.8% of who were already regular cigarette smokers.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse attributes the high use of vape pens by young people to advertising. They estimate that 7 in 10 teens are exposed to e-cig advertising through retail ads, internet ads, tv and movie ads, and newspaper and magazine ads.
What is JUUL?
JUUL is one of the most well-known brands of e-cigarettes. The company has become so popular they take up approximately 68% of the $2 billion e-cigarette market. Looking like a USB drive, the design is discreet and the device can be charged on a laptop or wall charger. The liquid-filled cartridges come in flavors like fruit medley, cool mint, and crème brûlée.
JUUL Labs is the company that owns and sells the JUUL e-cigarette. To create the inhaled aerosol the device uses an internal heating mechanism. The mechanism is regulated, which prevents the batteries from overheating and exploding. All that a user needs is a non-refillable JUUL pod cartridge, which clicks into the top of the device. The e-liquid heats and is converted into vapors.
JUUL products are different from other vapes because they contain twice the concentration of nicotine. For example, Blu e-cig cartridges contain 2.4% nicotine, but JUUL pods have five percent. The devices are likely popular among youths because no prior experience or knowledge is necessary.
E-Cigarettes and Addiction
The age to buy tobacco or nicotine products across the country has been 18 since 1987. Recently, however, some states have raised the minimum age to 21. In most of Arkansas, consumers are still required to be at least 18 years of age when they purchase those types of products. JUUL Labs, however, adopted a new age restriction and verification system, banning sales to anyone under 21 – regardless of the varying state laws. Young people, however, are still accessing the e-cigs through some online retailers and from older people who are willing to make the purchase for them.
As discussed above JUUL e-cigarettes contain more nicotine levels than the average e-cig or a cigarette. Because of this, there is an increased risk of addiction. The amount of nicotine in a single JUUL pod is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes. Studies have shown that even the e-cigs that are marketed to be without nicotine have some traces.
Adolescents are at a higher risk of getting addicted to JUUL pods. This is because the brain continues to grow until the age of 25. Each time a young person learns a new skill or makes a new memory, stronger connections are built between brain cells. Addiction is a form of learning, which is why those younger than 25 can get addicted more easily to nicotine products. There’s also the risk of nicotine addiction priming the brain for addiction to other drugs.
The Health Risks of JUULing or Vaping
Scientists are still learning about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes. Most vapes, however, contain nicotine, which has known effects like peptic ulcers, lung spasms, increased risk of blood clots, enlargement of the aorta, and muscular pain. Nicotine is highly addictive. It’s harmful to developing fetuses, pregnant women, and adolescent brains. Aside from nicotine, e-cigs contain substances like cancer-causing chemicals that reach deep into the lungs. In addition to the cancer risk, the following conditions have been linked to using products like JUUL:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Eosinophilic Pneumonia
- Heart Attacks
- Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
If you’ve been diagnosed with a medical condition you believe is related to JUUL or another e-cig, our attorneys can help you file a vaping lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries.
Allegations Against JUUL
A number of lawsuits have been filed against JUUL labs. The majority of the lawsuits revolve around deceptive marketing tactics aimed at teens. For example, a class action complaint was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in order to redress the harm already sustained and prevent future harm to others. The plaintiff, Christian Foss, is 19 years old and suffering from exasperated asthma – a known complicated of nicotine ingestion. He began using JUUL vaping products when he was 16 and was unaware of the nicotine levels. The lawsuit is claiming the defendant, JUUL Labs, preys on youth for financial gain.
Another lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of West Virginia by the parent of a minor, who is 16 and addicted to JUUL products. The lawsuit claims the minor was harmed by JUUL Labs’ unlawful conduct. The harm includes exposure to significant toxic substances, nicotine addiction, and economic harm.
As more information becomes available about the effects of JUUL products, it’s likely more lawsuit will be filed. It’s best to determine if you have a case as soon as possible. That’s where we come in.
Fight for Your Health with McMath Woods P.A.
McMath Woods P.A. is dedicated to staying up-to-date with all legal matters regarding JUUL products and e-cigarettes. If you believe you have grounds to file a Little Rock JUUL e-cigarette lawsuit, our lawyers can examine your situation and help you decide how to proceed. Contact our firm today to learn more.
