Another E-Cigarette Death Raises Question Surrounding Products Liability & Civil Litigation
There is no question that e-cigarettes have both harmed and killed a number of people after exploding and catching on fire, as well as sending shrapnel into consumers. Recently, another man died after one of these devices exploded and sent debris into his left carotid artery, lodging in his throat and causing a stroke, cerebral infarction, and herniation.
According to a report by the U.S. Fire Administration, as reported by the media, just between 2009 and 2016, there were close to 200 reported e-cigarette fire and explosion incidents in the U.S. Other studies paint a far more dire picture: According to one study done by Tobacco Control, there were more than 2,000 vape pen explosions and subsequent burn injuries in the U.S. just between 2015 and 2017. This includes an incident in Florida last year, which led to one death after an e-cigarette exploded and sent a piece of the device into his head.
Now, new studies are also looking at the specific effects of the flavoring chemicals used in these devices on lung (epithelial) cells, where research thus far indicates that they decrease the numbers of cells that keep airways clean.
E-Cigarette Battery Litigation
The reported primary source of e-cigarette fires and injuries are the lithium-ion batteries, where a number of these batteries melt and lead to explosions. In 2017 alone, more than 120 lawsuits were filed in the U.S. by plaintiffs claiming that they were injured by e-cigarettes batteries and that the products lacked proper labels to warn consumers that there were battery fire risks. These plaintiffs claimed the devices exploded in their mouths and caused third-degree burns in various other areas of their bodies. Those injured have not only lost eyes and suffered smashed facial bones, but have had to undergo skin grafts, resulting in verdicts against manufacturers as high as $2 million.
New Studies Indicate That Flavoring Chemicals Damage Lung Cells
Diacetyl and 2,3-pentanedione are reportedly the most common flavoring chemicals used in e-cigarettes even though, since the early 2000s, studies revealed an association between the chemicals and bronchiolitis obliterans. Still, not even studies have investigated the health impacts of these chemicals on consumers, even though researchers have long been concerned about the use of nicotine. New studies are now focusing on the chemicals’ specific effects on lung (epithelial) cells and what is known thus far is that they decrease those cells necessary to keep our airways clean.
Contact Our Florida Civil Litigation Attorneys If You Have Been Injured or Lost A Loved One
If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of a defective product or one that otherwise negligently placed public health and safety in danger, contact our experienced Florida civil litigation attorneys at the Baez Law Firm today to find out how we can help. Devices like these will only continue to cause these heinous injuries until manufacturers are held accountable in the courts.
Resources:
cen.acs.org/biological-chemistry/genomics/Two-common-flavoring-chemicals-e/97/web/2019/02
courthousenews.com/vape-battery-explosion-lawsuits-on-the-rise/
washingtonpost.com/health/2019/02/05/vape-pen-kills-man-after-exploding-his-mouth/?utm_term=.843e0902693a
cnn.com/2019/02/05/health/exploding-vape-pen-death-trnd/index.html
