With vaping on the rise among teenagers and young adults, the federal government is finally attempting to enforce a ban on the flavored e-cigarettes that are so popular with younger demographics. Fruity, sweet flavors are especially enticing for high-school and even middle-school aged users. Federal statistics tell us that e-cigarette use increased by 78% in high school students in only one year. In an effort to stop this rising health concern, Michigan, San Francisco, and Boulder, Colorado have all made efforts to ban flavored e-cigarettes. Now, the federal government is belatedly taking action.
The Dangers of E-Cigarettes
Although e-cigarettes were marketed as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, they’ve since been linked to serious health problems and can be even more addictive than cigarettes.
The federal government has reported receiving complaints of at least 450 cases of respiratory illnesses related to vaping in the United States. The severity of these cases varies significantly, but in many cases the symptoms and health risks are severe. So far, there have been six vaping-related fatalities.
The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, has been connected with serious health risks, including an increased risk of nicotine addiction. In fact, JUUL pods, one of the most popular e-cigarette brands, contains more nicotine than an entire packet of cigarettes. E-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals that are believed to cause serious respiratory illnesses. Vaping is also connected to behavioral problems in developing brains, and studies show it can stunt brain development in young adults and teens.
Where Does the FDA Stand?
As a result of marketing, the popularity of e-cigarettes grew rapidly over the course of a few short years. Because the FDA has been so slow to act on this health crisis, their knowledge of the health risks associated with e-cigarettes is somewhat minimal. Now, the States are taking action, and finally, the FDA is beginning to act and study the health crisis.
What Will the Ban Do?
According to Alex Azar, the Health and Human Services Secretary, it will take the FDA and the federal government several weeks to develop a concrete plan for the upcoming ban. The intent is to remove all flavored e-cigarettes, or pods, from the market after a 30-day grace period. After that point, manufacturers will need to file their flavored tobacco pods for FDA approval by May 2020.
Were You Harmed by E-Cigarette Use? We Can Help.
Our team at McCune Wright Arevalo, LLP is handling cases where E-Cigarette use has caused health problems, behavior problems or has resulted in nicotine addition. We understand the health risks associated with these products and we stand by injured victims and their families against big tobacco companies. Although this ban may help regulate the sale of these dangerous products, for some users, the damage has already been done. If your child is addicted to vaping, or if he or she developed serious health problems after using JUUL or another e-cigarette product, we’re prepared to help you fight for justice and compensation.
Contact McCune Wright Arevalo, LLP to schedule a free consultation with our team today.