Does E-Cigarette Use Lead to Injuries and Illnesses?

 Posted on November 13, 2019 in Personal Injury

Over the past several years, the use of electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or vape pens) has grown by leaps and bounds. Manufacturers of these devices have marketed them as being safer than traditional cigarettes, and “vaping” has become especially popular among teens and young adults. However, a variety of concerns have arisen regarding the harm that these devices can cause to their users. In addition to a large number of reported injuries from exploding e-cigarettes, multiple health issues have begun to make themselves known. If you have experienced a personal injury after using a vaping device, you should speak to a skilled attorney as soon as possible.

Lung Illness Related to Vaping

One of the most worrisome issues currently affecting e-cigarette users is the outbreak of vaping-related lung illness (known as “e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury,” or EVALI) that has occurred throughout the United States. People have reported serious respiratory symptoms, including chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue, after using e-cigarettes. As of November 2019, more than 2,000 cases have been reported, and 39 people have died.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been researching this outbreak, and a potential source has been identified. Vitamin E acetate, an additive that is used in some vaping products, was found to be present in samples of fluid collected from patients’ lungs. This substance is usually harmless, but when inhaled, it may interfere with the normal functions of the lungs.

Many EVALI cases have involved vaping products that contained THC derived from marijuana, but patients have also experienced lung disease after using e-cigarettes to consume nicotine or CBD oil. Because of the risks that these devices present, the CDC has recommended against any use of e-cigarettes that contain THC, and those who do not currently use any tobacco products should not begin using vaping devices.

Addiction and Other Health Concerns

In addition to the ongoing concerns about lung disease, there are a variety of other issues that may affect e-cigarette users. Due to the popularity of vaping among teens, the use of these devices may lead to addiction to tobacco, including the use of traditional cigarettes. Studies have shown that students who had used e-cigarettes before beginning 9th grade were more likely to begin smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products. Other studies have found that those who use vaping devices were less likely to stop smoking, even if they were using e-cigarettes as a method to quit smoking traditional cigarettes.

Research is still being performed to determine whether e-cigarette use may have adverse health effects. However, a variety of concerns have been raised about the potential dangers of these devices. The chemicals inhaled when using these devices may be toxic, and vapor may also contain metal microparticles that can damage the lungs and bloodstream. Studies have also shown that vaping may have a negative effect on cholesterol levels and blood flow to the heart.

Contact a Cook County Personal Injury Attorney

While e-cigarettes are seen by many as a relatively safe way to consume nicotine, THC, or CBD, more and more information is being uncovered demonstrating that this is not true. If you have experienced an illness or injury after using a vaping device, you should take steps to determine whether you can hold the product’s manufacturer responsible for the harm done to you. At Winters Salzetta O’Brien & Richardson, LLC, we can work with you to pursue compensation for your injuries. To schedule a free consultation with our Chicago product liability lawyers, call our office at 312-236-6324.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/electronic-cigarettes-e-cigarettes

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/e-cigarettes-may-actually-be-worse-for-your-heart-than-regular-cigarettes-2019-11-11