As of September 17, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported receiving information on 530 cases of lung injury related to vaping products or use of e-cigarettes. As of that date, seven deaths had been linked to vaping products. Two deaths occurred in California with one death each in Illinois, Oregon, Indiana, Minnesota, and Kansas. On September 19, 2019, Missouri was added to the list of states with a vaping-related death when a man died of a vaping-related illness.
The CDC and other health agencies are diligently working to determine what is causing the lung illnesses and how these cases are related to vaping products and e-cigarettes. President Trump announced earlier in September his intent to ban flavored vaping products, which many people claim are targeted at young adults and minors. Three states as of the date of this article have taken steps to ban some vaping products with more states expected to follow their lead as the number of deaths and illnesses linked to vaping products continues to increase.
What Does the CDC Know About the Vaping-Related Lung Illness?
All reported cases of lung illness have been individuals with a history of vaping or e-cigarette use. Roughly two-thirds of the cases are individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 years. Sixteen percent of reported cases are minors under the age of 18 years, and the remaining 17 percent of cases are individuals over the age of 35 years. Almost three-fourths of the cases are males. Many of the cases involve individuals who admit that they have a history of using e-cigarette products containing THC.
Unfortunately, the CDC does not know why people are developing lung injuries after using vaping products or e-cigarettes. A specific product or substance has yet to be identified.
What is the CDC Recommending?
Because the CDC and other health care professionals continue to investigate the cause of the deaths and lung illnesses related to vaping, the CDC recommends that individuals concerned about these specific health risks should avoid using vaping products or e-cigarettes. The CDC states that some of the symptoms of lung injury reported in some of the lung injury cases include:
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
Some individuals reported that they developed symptoms over several weeks, while other individuals reported that the symptoms developed over a few days. Anyone who uses vaping products or e-cigarettes who develop these symptoms or other unexplained symptoms should see a healthcare provider immediately.
Purchasing products from individuals, especially products containing CBD oils or THC, could increase the risk of injury or life-threatening conditions. Also, individuals should not modify products or add substances to vaping products or e-cigarettes.
States Take Action to Protect Minors and Others from Vaping Danger
Michigan was the first state to ban flavored vaping products. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said that the ban was needed to protect young people from the potential dangers of vaping. The ban is set to go into effect when the state’s health department provides rules for the ban.
New York actually became the first state to enact a ban on flavored electronic cigarettes because of vaping-related illnesses. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the ban on September 17, 2019. The ban is an effort to combat the use of flavored e-cigarettes by young people. Beginning October 4, 2019, local health departments in New York will begin conducting visits to retailers to enforce the ban.
California is also taking steps to protect individuals and young adults from vaping-related illnesses. California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered a crackdown on counterfeit electronic cigarettes. He also stated that he plans to begin a $20 million public awareness campaign in October 2019 that will focus on the dangers associated with vaping devices. The governor also ordered the state’s public health agency to research whether the state can increase the warnings posted in retail shops that sell vaping products.
Walmart Stops Selling E-Cigarettes
Walmart announced that it plans to stop selling electronic nicotine delivery products at all U.S. Walmart and Sam’s Club locations after selling its current inventory. The retailer stopped selling cigarettes and electronic cigarettes to anyone under the age of 21 earlier in 2019.
Who is Responsible for Injuries and Damages from Vaping-Related Illnesses?
Until the exact cause of the lung injuries and deaths are determined, it is impossible to know who might be held liable for damages caused by vaping-related injuries and deaths. The Houston personal injury lawyers of Weycer Law Firm continue to monitor this matter closely. We will provide additional information as it becomes available regarding any potential legal actions regarding vaping-related injuries or illnesses.
If you have questions about vaping-related injuries, please contact our Texas personal injury attorneys for a free consultation by calling (713) 668-4545.