In recent years, the use of JUULs and e-cigarettes has surged in popularity, especially among young people. While these devices were originally marketed as a smoking cessation aid for adults and touted as an alternative to traditional smoking, they can be just as harmful—if not more dangerous—than cigarettes.
With their rise in popular culture and cartridges that come in flavors like mango and bubblegum, JUULs and e-cigarettes often appeal to teenagers and young adults. It’s no surprise that these age groups use these devices far more often than other demographics.
Teens and Young Adults Are More Likely to Use JUULs and E-Cigarettes
Between 2018 and 2019, a nationally representative cohort study of adolescents and young adults aged 18 to 34 years old took place. According to the study’s findings, JUUL use increased in every age group but was highest among those aged 18 to 20 years and 21 to 24 years. Given the potential health impacts of these devices, these findings are concerning
Another study, funded by the anti-tobacco nonprofit Truth Initiative, found similar trends. This study revealed that young people between the ages of 15 and 17 were 16 times more likely to be current JUUL users compared to people aged 25 to 34. According to this important research, young people are not only using JUULs and e-cigarettes occasionally but on a frequent, regular basis.
The Dangerous Impact of JUULs and E-Cigarettes
Many people believe that JUULs and e-cigarettes are safer because they do not expose users to the same smoke and chemicals found in traditional cigarettes. While e-cigarettes do not produce smoke, they still expose the body to potentially harmful substances. E-cigarette vaporizing delivers vaporized nicotine through a heating element, and this process may carry its own side effects and health risks.
Common side effects of e-cigarette use include coughing, dry throat, and shortness of breath. Ultrafine particles from e-cigarette vaporizing may cause inflammation, scarring of tissues, and even cardiovascular disease.
Long-term exposure to these substances may carry risks such as respiratory and reproductive problems, damage to the lung tissue, and circulatory issues. Additionally, e-cigarettes still expose the body to nicotine, an addictive substance, and the liquid juice may contain harmful substances such as volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and harmful flavorants.
Frequently Asked Questions about JUULs and E-Cigarettes
What Are E-Cigarettes and JUULs?
E-cigarettes, also known as e-cigs, e-hookahs, vapes, or vape pens, are devices that heat a liquid, called e-liquid, into an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user. This process is commonly known as vaping. E-liquids do not contain tobacco but almost always contain flavors, chemicals, and addictive nicotine.
These devices come in many shapes and sizes, with popular devices such as JUUL shaped like a USB flash drive, making them harder to detect than other devices. E-liquid refills, also known as pods, are used in JUUL devices, and one JUUL pod has approximately the same amount of nicotine as a whole pack of cigarettes.
Can E-Cigarettes Help You Quit Smoking?
No, e-cigarettes cannot help you quit smoking. While they may seem like a less harmful alternative, they still contain highly addictive nicotine and are harmful to your health. In fact, some people end up smoking and vaping simultaneously, making it even harder to quit tobacco altogether. It’s best to quit all forms of tobacco using proven, safe, and approved methods, such as nicotine replacement therapy, counseling, and medication.
Is It Legal to Buy JUULs and E-Cigarettes?
The minimum age of sale for e-cigarettes is typically 18 in most states, although in other places, the minimum age could be 19 or 21. Many states have also made it illegal for retailers to sell e-cigarettes to minors, and in some states, it is also illegal for minors to possess e-cigarettes. In response to the growing use of these devices among young people, many schools have updated their tobacco-free policies to include e-cigarettes, and the consequences for using them on school grounds are often the same as smoking traditional cigarettes.
Are JUULs or E-Cigarettes Addictive?
E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is a highly addictive substance. JUULs, in particular, are known for their high nicotine content, which can make them even more addictive than other types of e-cigarettes. If you are concerned about addiction, it is best to talk to your doctor about safer ways to quit smoking or using nicotine products.
Pursuing Legal Action Against JUUL and E-Cigarette Manufacturers
The use of JUULs and e-cigarettes can have a devastating impact on a young person’s health. However, if one were to examine the early marketing campaigns of these companies, it may seem otherwise. The advertisements of many of these companies seem to be aimed at young people, and they do not adequately inform consumers about the risks associated with vaping. Certain campaigns are misleading regarding the addictive nature of nicotine.
Now, thousands of people are pursuing lawsuits against JUUL and other e-cigarette manufacturers. The plaintiffs argue that they became addicted to using e-cigarettes, which exacerbated their health conditions. They claim to be unaware that vape fluids contained high levels of nicotine, a highly addictive substance. In addition, some individuals are pursuing legal action after being injured due to their e-cigarettes exploding or catching fire.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or health problems caused by JUULs or e-cigarettes, you may qualify for litigation against these manufacturers. Depending on the type of lawsuit that you file, you could recover compensation to pay for the following damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Necessary disability accommodations
- Property damage caused by the e-cigarette
- Lost wages during recovery and treatment
- Loss of future earnings and benefits
- Pain and suffering that you endured
Contact a JUUL and E-Cigarette Lawsuit Attorney
E-cigarette injuries can have a severe impact on your health and quality of life, and the medical expenses can be overwhelming. Filing a lawsuit can provide you with the compensation that you need to overcome this damage, but the legal process can be daunting. In these situations, you need an attorney on your side.
Hiring a lawyer who specializes in JUUL and e-cigarette litigation can help you navigate the litigation process, pursue compensation for damages, and hold the responsible parties accountable. To learn how an attorney can help you seek justice, schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.