Centers for Disease Control Reports Continued Outbreak of Illness from Vaping-Related Lung Injury

Blizzard Law, PLLC is a personal injury law firm in Houston, Texas that is currently taking cases from individuals who have been injured after using e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or Juul. Our firm is also taking cases from youth and teens who became addicted to Juul, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices when they were under age (under age 18). As the dangers of vaping have become more apparent, doctors, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Food and Drug Administration have all begun investigations into vaping, e-cigarettes, and Juul products. These companies have been investigated because they may have targeted teens and youths for their vaping and e-cigarette campaigns. Furthermore, these products may have been touted as safe. Those using them may not have been aware that they contained nicotine, an addictive substance.

What do we know so far? The Centers for Disease Control reports that as of October 8, 2019, 1299 cases of lung injury and illness have been reported across 49 states. 26 people have died as a result of these illnesses, which the CDC is reporting as an “outbreak.” The CDC continues to investigate what might be causing lung injury and illness in these patients. As a result of the outbreak, the CDC has issued a recommendation that people stop using vaping devices and e-cigarettes.

If you or someone you love has fallen sick with vaping-related lung injury or illness, you may have options under the law. You may be able to join a growing number of victims and families who are filing lawsuits against the makers of e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Blizzard Law, PLLC is a personal injury law firm in Houston, Texas that is currently  accepting cases from those who have been impacted.

What is particularly alarming about e-cigarette and vaping use, is the fact that many teens appear to be addicted to these devices. Getting teens to quit e-cigarettes can be incredibly challenging. Blizzard Law, PLLC is a personal injury law firm that may be able to help you pursue a lawsuit if your child became addicted to e-cigarettes or vaping devices.

Which States Have Banned E-Cigarettes?

As a result of the outbreak of illness across the nation, some states have moved to ban e-cigarettes and vaping devices. Other states have also considered banning the devices.  Here are the states have taken action thus far?

• Michigan issued an emergency ban that will last 180 days following the increase in vaping-related lung illnesses that have been reported across the nation by the CDC.
• New York has banned flavored vaping products that contain nicotine.
• Massachusetts has initiated a four-month-long ban on all marijuana and vaping products.
• Rhode Island banned the sale of all flavored e-cigarettes through an executive order issued by the governor.
• Washington has temporarily banned the sale of flavored vaping cigarettes for 120 days, until more information becomes available.
• California has issued an order recommending that vaping sales be more restricted among people under 21 years of age.

Other states, including Illinois, New Jersey, and Delaware are currently considering similar bans and restrictions. Texas has not yet banned the sale of flavored e-cigarettes and vaping devices. However, the recent proliferation of illness across the nation has many individuals alarmed and the CDC is performing an investigation. Once the reasons for the outbreak has been determined, additional regulations or changes in law could be put in place.

Blizzard Law, PLLC is a personal injury law firm in Houston, Texas. If you or someone you love has become addicted to vaping while underage, or has contracted vaping-related lung illness, contact Blizzard Law, PLLC today to learn more about how we may be able to help.