New York California and Michigan Declare War Against Vaping Products
New York California and Michigan Declare War Against Vaping Products
In the midst of what has turned out to be a public health crisis linked to vaping, states such as New York, California and Michigan are taking action including banning flavored liquids used in vaping. Nationwide, we’ve seen a spate of lung illnesses and at least six deaths linked to vaping. On Sept. 4, Michigan’s governor Gretchen Whitmer issued an order banning flavored liquids used in vaping.
Ban on Flavored Vaping Liquids
Now, California’s governor Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order ordering a crackdown on the sale of counterfeit e-cigarette liquids in the Golden State. He has also authorized a $20 million public education campaign, along with warning labels and signs to inform consumers about suspected health hazards linked to vaping. Around the same time, Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New York announced an emergency executive order banning popular flavors like cotton candy and mango, sold by local retailers primarily targeting young people.
This order is the latest assault on what all three governors have labeled the crisis of vaping, the practice of inhaling flavored liquids, sometime containing nicotine through a rechargeable electronic vaporizing device. E-cigarettes have exploded into a billion-dollar industry over the last decade. However, studies released over time have shown the health effects of these new devices parallel those of smoking traditional cigarettes. Since April, six people have died and 380 have come down with severe lung damage linked to use of e-cigarettes.
The industry continues to insist that its products are safe and that banning these devices will drive people back to smoking traditional cigarettes. However, public health officials have urged people to stop vaping until they can determine the causes of the latest outbreak of lung illnesses. President Trump also issued a statement last week saying the White House is considering banning flavored e-cigarettes.
Harm Caused by E-Cigarettes
Our product defect attorneys have long maintained that e-cigarettes are as bad as traditional tobacco products. We still don’t know a lot of what’s in these products. But, based on the rash of lung illnesses that are requiring young people to be placed on ventilators because they cannot breathe on their own, we can easily conclude that these products can be extremely harmful. If you or a loved one has suffered serious lung damage or other health effects as a result of using e-cigarettes or other vaping products, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and losses. An experienced product defect lawyer may be able to help you evaluate and pursue your legal rights.
