As the coronavirus pandemic has swept across the world and the US, it is easy to forget that we had another major disease in the spotlights just a few short months ago – cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury, or EVALI.
If you will remember, e-cigarettes and vaping were the known causes of this serious lung illness. Now, experts are warning that these products could make the symptoms of coronavirus worse. At Colson Hicks Eidson, our award-winning firm wants to discuss how these two major national issues have merged.
How are e-cigarettes and coronavirus related?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was busy investigating why so many people in the US become ill due to e-cigarettes and vaping products last year. The outbreak of illnesses and deaths seemingly caused by e-cigarettes was called cigarette or vaping, product use associated lung injury (EVALI). Doctors who were handling these cases reported the following symptoms:
- Breathing difficulty
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Now, as coronavirus spread throughout the US, experts are warning that e-cigarettes and vaping could cause major health complications for those who otherwise handle the illness well. According to studies by the government, approximately one in four teens in the US vapes or smokes e-cigarettes. Public health experts already said that those who smoke traditional cigarettes are more likely to suffer serious illness if they become infected with COVID-19. They are also warning that the same risks could be present for those who smoke e-cigarettes.
Columbia University pediatrician Dr. Alok Patel says that because vaping can cause direct lung damage, it puts e-cigarette users in the high-risk bracket for those who can become seriously ill due to coronavirus, along with those who are over 60 years of age or have a chronic health condition (heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, etc.).
Last year, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that e-cigarette companies illegally marketed their products to teens and young adults. In particular, they used flavors to entice kids to use the products, which then caused them to become addicted due to the high nicotine content in an e-cigarette.
Let our team help you through this
If you or somebody you care about has been harmed due to using e-cigarettes or a vaping product, you may need to seek legal assistance immediately. At Colson Hicks Eidson, we are going to help you get through this. Our award-winning E-Cigarette and vaping explosion attorney has vast experience helping clients harmed by dangerous products and we want to help you secure the compensation you need. This can include:
- Coverage of any medical bills related to the injury or illness
- Compensation for lost income if you cannot work
- Mental anguish damages
- Loss of enjoyment of life damages
- Punitive damages against a company or manufacturer
When you need a product liability attorney anywhere in Florida or throughout the United States, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling us at 305-476-7400.
