Electronic cigarettes, marketed as “e-cigarettes” or “vapes” and sometimes referred to as “vape pens” have gained rapid popularity over the last 15 years.
E-cigarette and vapor Juul users assert the products pose fewer risks than cigarettes and may allow people to wean themselves off of tobacco entirely.
On the other hand, studies on vapes are finding that their contents, called e-juices, are tied to the respiratory condition “Popcorn Lung” and other medical problems.
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Description of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes and vapor like the Juul use a battery current to create a localized heat source that converts e-juices into an aerosol vapor the user inhales. E-juices are liquids containing nicotine and flavoring chemicals.
These products differ from cigarettes because they do not use direct flame or produce smoke.
Electronic cigarettes can resemble actual cigarettes, but many contain slightly larger mouthpieces to hold longer-lasting batteries, along with cartridges the user opens to refill. The cartridge innovation accompanied the release of flavored e-juices containing a range of nicotine contents.
Manufacturers started marketing electronic cigarettes just over 15 years ago, and this market has steadily grown since then.
The New York Times stated that, as of 2013, the e-cigarette industry earned $1.7 billion in American revenues, and comprised hundreds of companies.
E-Cigarette Explosions
Electronic cigarettes can sometimes be prone to exploding. Cheaper models or knock-off vape pens can sometimes use cheap batteries that are more susceptible to overheating.
Cases of severe injuries such as scrapes and burns have been reported. In addition, some people have lost several teeth as a result of the e-cigarette exploding directly in the face.
Although 80% of explosions happen during charging, an exploding e-cigarette can cause significant damage. Twelve percent of explosions occur when the device is in storage (in a pocket or purse) or in use according to FEMA.
Electronic Cigarette Flavors and Respiratory Conditions
Researchers state that the chemicals in e-juice flavorings have been associated with lung diseases. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determined that the compound diacetyl, present in watermelon, apple, and cupcake e-juice flavors, is associated with “Popcorn Lung.”
The Harvard School of Public Health reports that 76% of the 51 leading e-juice flavors they tested had diacetyl as an ingredient. Flavors like Waikiki Watermelon, Tutti Frutti, and Oatmeal Cookie could have names and tastes that minors would find desirable, the researchers warned.
Popcorn Lung
Popcorn Lung, or bronchiolitis obliterans, is an obstructive, chronic illness that inflames the bronchial tube and lungs, impairs breathing, and scars the inside of the lungs. In the worst cases, it can require lung transplants to treat, and can also be fatal, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It presents with:
- Persistent, unproductive cough
- Difficulty breathing and wheezing
- Fatigue
- Inadequate blood oxygen
E-Cigarette and Vaping Lawsuits
People who have developed respiratory or lung diseases while Juuling or Vaping, including popcorn lung, may require legal representation to protect their rights, as well as those who have been injured due to an exploding e-cigarette.
A free consultation with experienced vaping and e-cigarette lawyers can help ensure that individual lung injury cases are handled properly.
