North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein is moving forward with lawsuits against eight e-cigarette manufacturers, arguing their marketing is targeting children and getting them addicted to vaping.
Vaping products come in a variety of flavors. In an NPR news report, Stein noted that many of the flavors have great appeal to youngsters, including cotton candy, gummy bear, unicorn and graham cracker.
This is not the first time that North Carolina has taken a stand against e-cigarette makers. Stein has also filed suit against the e-cigarette company Juul, asking the court to limit the company’s flavor offerings to cigarette and menthol rather than more “kid-friendly” fruit and candy varieties.
Although North Carolina prohibits selling vaping products to those under 18, Stein argues age verification requirements are not enforced enough, enabling kids as young as middle-school age to get hooked on vaping.
Why Vaping Is Dangerous To Children
Although anti-smoking campaigns explain the risk of nicotine addiction and health problems associated with cigarettes, many people are unaware of just how dangerous vaping is for kids.
E-cigarettes still contain nicotine, the chemical that primarily fuels people to become addicted to cigarettes. Although e-cigs contain smaller doses of nicotine, the U.S. Surgeon General explains that any form of nicotine exposure can cause addiction and damage to developing brains.
In addition, e-cigarettes and vaping devices produce aerosols that contain carcinogens and other toxic substances, which can damage the lungs and also cause secondary exposure to innocent bystanders.
Medical professionals also say that the early use of vaping devices can increase the likelihood of children turning to cigarettes into adulthood.
Adolescent Vaping Hospitalizations Are Increasing
Children have already been harmed by vaping. Early e-cigarette marketing campaigns touted them as smoking cessation devices or a “safe alternative” to smoking. But recently, as many as 25 teenagers and young adults were hospitalized in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Minnesota with breathing problems and lung injuries suspected to be linked to vaping products.
In addition, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating close to 100 “possible cases of severe lung illness” linked to vaping in 14 states, according to NPR.
E-Cigarette Explosions
There have also been other injuries associated with vaping devices after the e-cigarettes have exploded while in use.
The New England Journal of Medicine recently reported the case of a 17-year-old boy who had a hole ripped into his jaw when his e-cigarette exploded in his mouth. Earlier this year, a 24-year-old Texas man died after an e-cig exploded while he was in his grandmother’s car, cutting his carotid artery.
Can I File A Lawsuit Against A Vaping Company?
Personal injury lawsuits are currently being filed across the country by consumers who have been injured by exploding e-cigarettes. Many of these victims have suffered burns, facial injuries, infections and other serious injuries when the device malfunctioned, some with lasting disfigurement.
When a defective product injures someone, it is possible to seek compensation for accident-related injuries such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and related damages.
If you or your child has suffered an injury due to vaping, the best way to find out your legal options is by talking with an experienced attorney. Let Stewart Law Offices help you. Call or contact us to arrange a free consultation: 866-783-9278
