Though originally marketed as a safer option than cigarettes, it’s been found that vaping causes many of the same injuries and effects as cigarette smoking. There are also certain conditions unique to e-cigarette users, such as popcorn lung (Bronchiolitis obliterans). This lung disease is linked to the consumption of diacetyl, a chemical found in many flavored e-liquids.
Popcorn lung is an incurable condition that affects the bronchioles, the smallest airways of your lungs, by causing inflammation and scarring that can block the passages. The ailment’s nickname was coined after a group of workers in a microwave popcorn-processing plant were diagnosed. They developed it from inhaling fumes from the chemical diacetyl, used to give popcorn and other foods a buttery taste.
Liability Claims against JUUL and other Major E-Cigarette Manufacturing Companies
A complaint from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) led to the vape manufacturer JUUL removing certain flavors, including those that contain diacetyl, from production. The FDA claimed that JUUL was encouraging young people to buy their products by selling and promoting their flavored pods. In fact, a recent lawsuit found that JUUL was intentionally targeting young consumers with their marketing
This lawsuit demonstrates that the manufacturing company “engaged in unfair and deceptive acts and practices… by willfully advertising and/or selling nicotine products to children, adolescents, and other consumers younger than the minimum legal sales age”. In addition to offering kid-friendly flavors, the investigation determined that JUUL intentionally chose marketing images that appealed to youth, advertised products on websites specifically for children, and shipped their product to underage customers that purchased them directly online.
The Dangers of Vaping
A 2015 study reported that over 90 percent of e-cigarettes tested contained either diacetyl or other harmful chemicals known to cause popcorn lung. If you or your child were diagnosed with popcorn lung because of vaping, the JUUL e-cigarette attorneys of Kwartler Manus, LLC are available to discuss your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Side effects of vaping can include popcorn lung and other conditions and issues such as:
Asthma
EVALI
Acute Respiratory Distress
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Pneumonia
Pulmonary Embolism
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Collapsed Lung
Heart Attack
Cardiac Arrest (or other cardiac conditions)
Heavy Metal Poisoning (including: cobalt, cadmium, lead)
Neurological conditions (including: strokes, seizures)
Respiratory disease
