The Disturbing Recent Association Between Lung Disease and Vaping
Vaping, or using e-cigarettes, has been rapidly rising in popularity over the past few years. Many people initially began vaping because they believed it was safer than using cigarettes. However, in addition to the explosions that have been reported in various news outlets over the past few years, recent reports continue to affirm that the risks of vaping are still not fully understood.
News 4 Jax recently reported that a California man has become the seventh person to die from a vaping-related lung illness in the US. The 40-year-old is, sadly, the latest in a series of reported deaths from vaping that have also occurred in Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota and Oregon. In response, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced that it has activated its Emergency Operations Center to better investigate the outbreak of lung injuries associated with e-cigarettes. Thus far, the CDC says it has identified 380 cases of lung illness associated with the use of e-cigarettes in 36 states and the US Virgin Islands.
What Are the Symptoms of the Vaping Lung Disease?
Common symptoms reported by patients include:
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
What Warning Has Been Issued?
Following the third vaping-related death, the CDC advised those who use vaporizers and e-cigarettes to cease doing so. Interestingly, the disease striking people who vape has been tied, in many cases, to products that contain THC, the main active ingredient in marijuana. However, doctors and medical marijuana treatment centers here in Florida say there is little cause for concern in the state, where about 357,000 patients are approved to use the drug as medicine. Many of them use a vape pen to inhale oils or whole flower marijuana.
But make no mistake – authorities here aren’t taking the recent reports lightly. Floridians who are prescribed medical marijuana have been advised to keep an eye on these investigations as they continue to develop. Additionally, it is important that patients consult with their qualified marijuana ordering physician on the safest route of medical treatment, and immediately seek medical assistance if they experience respiratory distress.
Have You Been Injured By A Defective Product?
While the true dangers of vaping are still coming to light, it is already clear from the deaths that have occurred that these products can lead to tragic results when defective. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed because of a defective e-cigarette, you should not hesitate to hold the responsible parties responsible during. Product manufacturers have a duty to make items that are safe and effective and won’t injure you or those you love. When they fail to do so and this failure results in an accident, the manufacturer can be held financially responsible for the injuries that result. The Jacksonville personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm have helped many other victims of tragic accidents and we offer you our compassion and expertise. Contact us today to begin.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami, Fort Myers and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
news4jax.com/health/california-man-dies-in-seventh-vapingrelated-illness
https://www.pendaslaw.com/how-to-stay-safe-during-a-roadside-emergency/
