While dying from the use of Juul or other e-cigarettes is uncommon, deaths have been reported that stem from e-cigarette related injuries, causing people to ask, can you die from Juul? Vaping and similar products have been associated with lung injuries. As of February 18, 2020, there have been a total of 2,807 hospitalizations of deaths reported from all 50 states as a result of e-cigarette use according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC says have been a total of 68 confirmed deaths between 29 states and the District of Columbia.
Health Risks Associated with E-Cigarette Use
There are many risks associated with the use of Juul and other e-cigarettes. One of the greatest risks that they pose is to the lungs.
According to a PLOS Biology study on the impact of e-cigarettes on the lung found that they contain propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, both of which are toxic to human cells. E-cigarettes also produce dangerous chemicals including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein. Acrolein is commonly used in herbicides to kill weeds, and when inhaled can lead to Chronic Obtrusive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), acute lung injury, and other lung-related diseases.
Those wondering can you die from Juul should know that the risk of e-cigarette usage does not just stop at the lungs. Studies show that e-cigarette usage can cause damage to the heart as well. One study published by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) in 2019 showed that e-cigarettes were linked to heart attacks, coronary artery disease and depression. The likelihood of heart attack by an e-cigarette user as much as 56 percent more likely than a nonsmoker, with the likelihood of stroke by 30 percent. E-cigarette users were also twice as likely to have emotional problems like depression and anxiety.
In addition, studies have found that there is such an abundance of nicotine in e-cigarettes that it can cause convulsive seizures.Even if users are cognizant of the amount of nicotine that they are ingesting and intentionally choose e-liquid with low nicotine amounts, there is no guarantee that they will receive the dosage they believe they are getting.
Juul, specifically, is a closed system, which means the user does not refill the liquid like one would a vape pen. Juul also does not make nicotine-free pods. Each pod has 0.7mL of nicotine according to Martin Health, which is the equivalent of 200 puffs on a regular cigarette. Unlike some other kinds of e-cigarettes, with Juul you do not have the option to inhale less nicotine.
Dangerous Substances in Juul E-Cigarettes
Every Juul pod contains a mix of:
- Glycerol
- Propylene glycol
- Nicotine
- Benzoic acid
- Flavorants
The particles in e-cigarettes are often inhaled deep into the lungs, which may cause irritation and complications. Many of these chemicals have been linked to cancer and lung disease, which begs the question, can you die from Juul?
Recoverable Damages from Juul-Associated Injuries
Every case is different, so there is no way to estimate the exact damages you may qualify for if you or a loved one has been injured because of complications stemming from Juul usage. Some common types of damages that plaintiffs have recovered in similar cases include:
- Medical costs: these include hospitalizations, surgical procedures, doctor’s examinations, and treatments required to recover from injuries. It can also include out-of-pocket expenses like trips to and from doctor’s appointments.
- Lost and future wages: if you missed work because of an illness or injuries, you may be able to recover those lost wages in a class-action lawsuit. If your earning potential was diminished or lost completely because of a disability that you suffered as a result of your injuries, the loss of future income may be included in a settlement.
- Pain and suffering: if your life was altered significantly, and you experienced pain and discomfort as a result of your injuries or illness, you may be able to recover compensation for your pain and suffering. This is classified as a noneconomic loss, so it can be difficult to put a dollar amount to the cost of your pain and suffering. A lawyer may be able to help you calculate the cost of pain and suffering.
- Punitive damages: while these are uncommon, sometimes the court can award punitive damages in class action lawsuits if they felt that a company’s negligence was particularly egregious. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the defendant and discourage others from behaving in a similar manner.
If you or a loved one was hurt and suffered because of the negligence of Juul Labs, you may have the right to hold the company responsible for any injuries incurred. For a free, no-risk consultation on your case, contact Gacovino & Lake today at (631) 600-0000. We service Long Island, New York, and the five boroughs of New York City.
