The news has been filled with horror stories of vaping illnesses and injuries. As the use of e-cigarettes has risen, so have the number of people hospitalized due to vaping. Now, researchers have linked a new injury with vaping for the first time. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our firm handles product liability cases in Florida and across the US. We believe in holding companies accountable for their actions. When they cause harm to consumers, we work to secure compensation for those injured. Let our Florida product liability attorneys help you today.
What Is Popcorn Lung?
We have recently learned that vaping is causing a lung injury illness that is very similar to “popcorn lung.” Canadian researchers from Canada have said that a 17-year-old may be the first known case of this new illness linked to vaping. The illness, they say, is eerily similar to popcorn lung, which is a disease seen in workers exposed to the chemical diacetyl that used to be used to produce microwave popcorn.
When inhaled, the chemical causes inflammation and blockage of the small airways inside a person’s lungs. Dr. Karen Bosma, an associate scientist at the Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario, says that “The type of lung injury our patient suffered is different from the pattern of injury seen in the outbreak of cases in the U.S., meaning that there is more than one way vaping can harm the lungs.”
Researchers have pointed out that they do not yet know exactly what chemical inside e-cigarettes is causing this illness, but they say that there are several harmful compounds inside vaping liquid. No products, they say, can be considered risk-free.
This Is Not The Same Illnesses That Had Caused Fatalities
We want to point out that this is not the same problem that has caused more than 40 deaths and over 2,000 illnesses across the US. This is an entirely new discovery; one that should be alarming for consumers.
While the major outbreaks of recent lung illnesses from vaping have been linked to aftermarket CBD and marijuana vapes, this shows us that the dangers of vaping are still completely unknown.
E-cigarette products are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but they are allowed to be sold to consumers.
We Can Help You Secure The Compensation You Deserve
If you or someone you care about has been injured or become ill after using an e-cigarette or vaping product, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our nationally-recognized firm is dedicated to helping clients who have been harmed by faulty products. Our goal is to secure the compensation you need, including:
- Coverage of medical expenses related to the defective product
- Recovery of lost wages if you cannot work while you recover
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against the company or manufacturer
If you need a product liability attorney in Florida or anywhere in the US, you can contact Colson Hicks Eidson for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.