Sacramento Vaping and JUULing Lawsuits
What is a JUUL Vape Device?
Also known as e-cigarettes, JUUL vaping devices are designed to look like USB flash drives, pens, cigarettes, and other common devices that can be easily hidden and mistaken for school utensils. They have become widely popular among young adults and teenagers because of their use of candy inspired flavors and slick marketing imagery. The devices are filled with liquid that contains nicotine and other chemicals and artificial flavors that are extremely dangerous and addictive.
One JUUL cartridge contains roughly the same amount of nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes (the JUUL brand contains twice as much nicotine as other brands of e-cigarettes) and most young people use multiple cartridges at a time. Not only are young people consuming extreme levels of nicotine, but the Journal of Pediatrics reported that the propylene glycol and/or glycerol used as additives and solvents become carcinogenic when heated. They also noted that vaping is likely to result in greater harm to adolescents than to adults, given their vulnerability to the acute and chronic effects of toxic chemicals, and from their cumulative exposure from inhaling these toxins so early in life.
The Side Effects of Vaping and JUULing
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, some of the known short-term effects resulting from the use of JUUL e-cigarettes and other vaping devices include rapid deterioration of vascular function, increased heart rate, and elevated diastolic blood pressure. They note that the long term effects are largely unknown, as these devices have only been on the market for just over ten years.
Chemicals Found in California Vape Products
Some of the chemicals found in vape juice include:
- Diacetyl
- Formaldehyde, which is embalming fluid
- Toluene, an ingredient in paint thinners
- Acrolein, a chemical used in water treatment ponds to kill algae
When heated, vape products can produce particles of heavy metals that can become lodged in lung tissue, including:
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Lead
- Manganese
- Nickel
All of these chemicals and metals can cause inflammation in the bronchioles, a condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans, or “popcorn lung.” Similar to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), briolitis obliterans is a serious lung disease that is irreversible. Symptoms include chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. If you or your loved one are suffering injuries from JUUL e-cigarettes, contact our California JUUL lawyers for legal guidance and get the justice you truly deserve.
Contact a Sacramento Personal Injury Attorney Today!
If you or your child has suffered any of the above injuries or have become addicted to nicotine after using JUUL vaping devices, contact our California JUUL defense lawyers today to discuss how we may seek compensation for your:
- Past and future medical expenses that result from the injuries, including addiction treatment.
- Past and future pain and suffering (physical and mental) caused by the injuries, and the treatment and recovery process.
- Past and future loss of enjoyment of life.
- Punitive damages, if appropriate.
