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First Tennessee Vaping Death
A 26 year-old male is Nashville’s first vaping death due to severe pulmonary illness associated with the use of electronic cigarettes. The Tennessee Department of Health has received reports of 49 cases of serious lung injury among people who use electronic cigarettes or other vaping products. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,604 cases of e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI).
Vaping Injuries
Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, and vape pens are battery-powered devices that provide users with nicotine through inhalation. Overuse of these dangerous devices can lead to a vaping death. Harmful side effects of e-cigarettes and vaping can include:
- Acute lung injury
- Asthma
- Broncholitis obliterans (popcorn lung)
- Chemical burns
- Coma
- COPD
- Damage to lung cells
- Eosinophilic pneumonia
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Lipoid pneumonia
- Lung cancer
- Overdose
- Seizures
- Toxic exposure
- Vape explosion injuries
- Vaping lung disease
- Wrongful death
As electronic cigarette technology evolves, there is growing evidence the way vaping devices and e-liquids interact could harm consumers. For example, the high-powered devices may overheat vaping liquids and produce toxic chemicals; aerosol inhaled when vaping may also be contaminated with dangerous metals from the devices.
Manufacturers Targeted Children
A study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine found vaping liquid manufacturer JUUL Lab’s advertising from early 2015 through late 2018 specifically targeted children and teenagers. The company also aggressively targeted teens on social media platforms using hashtags and via email.
A July congressional report found Juul Labs spent more than $200,000 on trendy Instagrammers and influencers to reach teens. Additionally, at least one recent study found social media bots accounted for nearly 80% of the social media chatter about vaping.
As a result of marketing efforts, teen vaping rates have doubled since 2017, with 25 percent of high school seniors reportedly using e-cigarettes.
Vaping Death Claims
If you or a loved one suffered health complications after vaping, you may have a valid legal claim for financial damages. It’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced consumer products liability lawyer as soon as possible. Vaping lawsuits are complicated and require the right experience and resources. Contact Whitfield Bryson LLP today for more information on how we can help.
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