If you have been paying attention to the news, you have probably heard several new health concerns related to vaping. These popular e-cigs have been called “a safer alternative to smoking” for a long time now. Despite this claim, people are being injured by vaping. The most common vaping injury is caused by either the unit exploding itself or causing lung damage known as “popcorn lung.” If you live in Utah and have been diagnosed with lung issues or burned because your mod exploded, we would like to talk to you. Consider contacting a Salt Lake City injury attorney to request a case review as soon as possible.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the most common term for smoking an aerosol solution burned through a handheld electronic device. This solution is usually a mixture of liquid nicotine, water, food-grade flavoring, a choice of nicotine levels or zero nicotine, and propylene glycol (PG) or vegetable glycerin (VG). At least, that is what users have been lead to believe. ABC 4 has recently released articles that show findings from The Utah Department of Health. As part of their study, they pulled 17 random samples from local sellers in Utah County. Twelve of these samples contained opioids, barbiturates, and even traces of THC and PCP in them.
What are lawmakers doing about these concerns?
So far, there have been 42 cases of individuals being hospitalized due to lung damage from vaping. Most of these cases stem from vaping a mixture of e-juice of e-liquid with a combination of a marijuana product. The disease’s signs consist of coughing, lack of breath, upper body pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Nearly all individuals have had to obtain medical care. US federal government wellness authorities stated recently there are 380 verified and potential instances, including six fatalities. All reported situations have a background of e-cigarette product use or vaping.
Representative Paul Ray held a news conference at the Utah State Capitol Wednesday to go over the potential restriction on the sale of e-cigarette items in the state. In this conference, he states that he would do so if he could have an all-out ban on these products. Ray said he would request the Utah Attorney General’s Office to consider filing a lawsuit against e-cigarette companies, if advisable, to recover healthcare costs of those sickened by e-cigarettes.
Have you been injured while vaping?
There are, of course, opponents to the current ban. Many users feel that the dangers are virtually non-existent and claim that explosions and lung damage are due to user error. For example, using batteries that are not set to the correct watts or voltage for the mod, they are using. They also claim that the user bought a black market or non-regulated juice that contained large amounts of vitamin e. Regardless of the situation, you may have a strong case against manufacturers or relators of either e-juice or vapes themselves. If you or a loved one has been injured in or around Salt Lake City by vaping, contact The Ault Firm at (801) 839-4411 today to speak with a legal professional.
