E-cigarette use among teens in Nevada has exploded in the last couple of years and could lead to injuries and long-term health problems that reach epidemic proportions. The manufacturers of e-cigarettes might be responsible if people develop addictions and illnesses because of the products. Juul, one of the most popular brands of e-cigarettes, comes in fruit flavors which may attract teens. Recent studies reveal that two-thirds of young Juul users were not aware that the product always contains nicotine and other toxic chemicals regardless of flavor.
E-cigarette Prevalence
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25 percent of high school students and 7 percent of middle school students reported that they had used tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, within the last 30 days in 2018. Among high school students, the use of e-cigarettes increased from 11.7 percent in 2017. Among middle school students, the use of e-cigarettes increased from 3.3 percent in 2017. The rapid increase in the use of e-cigarettes has been called an epidemic by the federal Food and Drug Administration. One brand of e-cigarettes called Juul is especially popular among teenagers because of its design. Juul e-cigarettes look similar to USB flash drives and emit only small clouds of vapor so that teens are able to use them without getting caught.
Dangers of E-cigarettes
Juul and other e-cigarette manufacturers claim that their products are a safe alternative for adult smokers. However, studies have demonstrated that when teens and others inhale the vapor from Juul e-cigarettes, they also ingest some of the same types of toxins that are contained in regular cigarettes. The fruit flavors make them appealing to teens, who may be unaware of their addictive potential.
Potential Responsibility for Injuries
Several parties might hold responsibility for injuries that result from using e-cigarettes. Manufacturers of the products such as Juul may be liable because of deceptive marketing practices. The company claims that they are marketed to adults, but the inclusion of fruit flavors means more teens are drawn to them. Third-parties who sell them to teens may also be liable if the teens develop cancer or other health conditions. People need to be aware of the potential dangers of these products.
