Vaping can be dangerous, though it was supposed to be safer than smoking cigarettes. Unfortunately, some people have been badly hurt as a result of vaping and using vaping devices. Take for example this case in which a woman passed away from a vaping-associated lung injury, or EVALI.
The woman, 76, passed away in San Diego after using THC-containing e-cigarettes. The Centers for Disease Control reported that further laboratory tests completed in 2019 after numerous cases of EVALI were reported confirmed that it was THC-containing e-cigarettes that were linked to the majority of those cases.
The majority of the vape pens associated with the outbreak of illness were actually illegal or knock-off devices that had a Vitamin E acetate additive, according to the CDC, rather than legitimate products. Federal officials did remind consumers, however, that there were likely other causes at play as well, though these vaping products did contribute most to people’s injuries and deaths.
This same kind of issue has happened all across the United States. The CDC and Food and Drug Administration currently recommend that people do not use e-cigarettes that also contain THC, especially when ordering online or from informal sources. The two organizations have also recommended that Vitamin E acetate not be added to any kind of e-cigarette.
When products are said to be “healthier alternatives” or are designed as “safe products” for daily use, consumers expect that to be the case. If you smoked e-cigarettes and were injured by an explosion, developed EVALI or have suffered other complications, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer or distributor of the product. Your health should come first, and you may be a victim of unfair sales tactics combined with poor quality control or manufacturing techniques.