Vaping has been linked to a severe lung disease that has caused at least 52 deaths and more than 2,400 serious lung injuries. The CDC has issued specific warnings about THC vape cartridges, but other products may also be dangerous, especially for young people.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting vape induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with a lung disease, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: 1st Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against JUUL
In October 2019, a grieving mother filed the first wrongful death lawsuit against JUUL Labs after her 18 year-old son died in his sleep. She blames his death on breathing complications due to his “intense addiction” to JUUL vapes.
FDA: “Stop Using THC Vaping Products”
In October 2019, the FDA warned the public to stop using THC vape products, as well as any vaping products off the street, after more than 2,000 reports of lung injuries and 42 deaths nationwide.
Vape Lung Linked to Vitamin E Contaminant
Investigators have linked a recent outbreak of vape lung injuries to a contaminant, Vitamin E, which was found in the oil of some cannabis (THC) vape products. In one case, 50% of the cartridge contained Vitamin E. The problem is that Vitamin E has oil-like qualities that could trigger severe breathing problems when tiny droplets are inhaled deep into the lungs. In X-rays, one victim looked like his lungs were coated in bacon grease.
Vaping Linked to 2,400+ Cases of Severe Lung Illness; 52nd Death Reported
As of December 10, 2019, a total of 2,409 people have been hospitalized with lung injuries related to vaping in all 50 states, including 52 people who died, according to the CDC.
The CDC has linked the outbreak to Vitamin E acetate, a chemical is used as an additive, most notably as a thickening agent in THC-containing vape products.
Symptoms of Vape Lung Illnesses
The symptoms included cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue that progressively worsened until they had to be hospitalized. Some of the victims needed to be put on ventilators. All of them had extensive scarring and lung damage.
What is a Vape?
Vapes, short for “vaporizers,” are battery-powered devices that heat liquid chemicals into a gas that can be inhaled like cigarette smoke. There is no flame or combustion, so vaping is not technically “smoking.” However, like traditional cigarettes, vapes may contain chemicals known to cause lung disease.
What is the problem?
Vapes have been marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, but they still produce nanoparticles of diacetyl and other toxic chemicals that penetrate deep into the lungs. This can potentially lead to pulmonary inflammation and chronic airway diseases, such as:
- Popcorn Lung
- Bronchiolitis obliterans
- Fixed airway obstruction
- Chronic bronchitis
- Asthma
- Diseases of the small airway
- And more
Flavored Vape Juice Chemicals Linked to Lung Disease
The FDA banned fruit, candy, and clove flavors from traditional cigarettes in September 2009. However, there are over 7,000 flavored vape products on the market — and most contain toxic flavor chemicals known to cause lung disease, according to a recent study by the Harvard School of Public Health.
Diacetyl and “Popcorn Lung”
Breathing the flavoring chemical diacetyl is a risk-factor for bronchiolitis obliterans, an incurable lung disease that causes progressive scarring and narrowing of the airways. It got the nickname “Popcorn Lung” in the early 2000s, after being linked to inhalation of butter flavorings from microwave popcorn.
Symptoms of Bronchiolitis Obliterans
- Dry cough
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- And more
Hundreds Reports of Vapes Exploding
An investigation by eCigOne.com has found hundreds of news reports of vape battery explosions since 2009, including 93 reports involving severe burn injuries. Other serious incidents include facial scarring, hand lacerations, finger amputations, jaw wired shut, car accidents, broken teeth, and more.
Vape Explosions
Vapes are almost always powered by lithium-ion batteries, which pack a lot of power in a small size. Unfortunately, they can also potentially explode when they are damaged or charged inappropriately.
Top 5 Tips to Prevent Vape Explosions
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Consider using vape devices with safety features, such as firing button locks, vent holes, and protection against overcharging.
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Keep loose batteries in a case to prevent contact with metal objects. Don’t let batteries come in contact with coins, keys, or other metals in your pocket.
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Never charge your vape device with a phone or tablet charger. Always use the charger that came with it.
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Don’t charge your vape device overnight or leave it charging unattended.
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Replace the batteries if they get damaged or wet. If your vape device gets damaged and the batteries are not replaceable, contact the manufacturer.
Do I have a Vape Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting vape induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with lung disease, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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