The news has been filled with news stories about a mysterious lung illness which seem to affect people who use vaping devices in the news. Since not much is known right now, there is some confusion about vaping injuries.
What We Know
As of early September 2019, US authorities reported five deaths and more than 450 possible instances of injuries related to lung injuries caused by vaping. It was unknown what vaping product or usage was contributing to the injuries.
Some tested vaping products have been found to contain vitamin E acetate, which can be harmful if inhaled. Some researchers have suggested this could be behind the injuries, but no clear cause for the injuries has been established.
Other Vaping Injuries
Lung illness is not the only injury possible with vaping. Customers have also suffered from facial injuries and severe burns after their vaping devices exploded. The CDC website is providing updated information about the latest vaping injuries and illnesses.
What You Can Do
Until more is known about these injuries, the CDC and other health authorities recommend the following:
- Give up vaping and smoking: If you have been using e-cigarettes or vaping products, consider giving them up. If you have been using these products to give up smoking, do not return to smoking.
- Talk to your teens and children: The CDC recommends that youth and children abstain from vaping and e-cigarettes entirely. Even if you do not think your children smoke, talk to them about the dangers and share CDC information about the risks with them.
- Choose trusted brands: If you do decide to continue using e-cigarettes and vaping products, do not buy no-name brands from online vendors or unverified online sources.
- Always read and follow directions: Never place substances not intended for vaping in your e-cigarette and always read and follow the manual which came with your devices. Never attempt to modify your e-cigarette or use in any way which is not approved by the manufacturer. If the device overheats or does not perform as usual, stop using that e-cigarette and contact the manufacturer.
- Stop vaping at once and contact your doctor if you notice any respiratory symptoms: According to the CDC, those who have suffered from possibly vaping-related illness had a variety of symptoms, including a feeling of tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Some patients also had a fever or significant fatigue. If you notice these or any other symptoms which worry you and you have used e-cigarettes, visit a doctor right away.
Have You Suffered a Vaping Injury?
If you have suffered burns, a respiratory illness, or any serious injury after using e-cigarettes or related products, contact a products liability attorney in Hollywood to find out if you have a claim. You can always contact Flaxman Law Group at 1-866-352-9626 (1-866-FLAXMAN) for a free, no obligation consultation if you have been injured. Our offices in Hollywood, Homestead, and Miami serve the entire South Florida area and our team has more than six decades of combined experience you can draw on.