Although Juul and other brands of e-cigarettes have exploded in popularity over the past several years, many people may be wondering, are Juul pods safe? In addition to the risks associated with inhaling nicotine, there may be additional dangers related to the use of vape pens, including lung illnesses or seizures.

The FDA recently denied authorization to Juul products, which would have required the company to stop selling its products immediately, had the Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals not granted the company’s emergency request for a stay pending appeal.

What are Juul pods?

Juul pods are replaceable pods that attach to rechargeable e-cigarettes and vape pens. These pods are full of nicotine liquid, and may contain as much nicotine as an entire carton of traditional cigarettes.

Juul pods used to come in many fruity and dessert themed flavors, until these flavors were banned in January 2020 in an attempt to protect youth from similar targeted marketing tactics as those used by Big Tobacco. Now, Juul pods are only available in the U.S. in mint/menthol flavors, as well as tobacco flavor.

Are Juul pods safe to use?

As Juul pods contain nicotine, there are inherent risks to using them. Smoking from a vape pen or e-cigarette may result in nicotine addiction. Long-term effects from nicotine may include lung cancer, increased blood pressure, and a narrowing or hardening of the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. Nicotine exposure may also increase the risk of experiencing blood clots, cause peptic ulcers, or change the heart rhythm. This is a particular risk, because approximately two-thirds of Juul users aged 15–24 do not know that Juul vapes always contain nicotine, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Even those who survived the vape-related lung illness, termed EVALI, were left with lasting injuries. One teenager who was hospitalized due to EVALI required a double lung transplant after the illness ravaged his lungs. According to one of the doctors on his case, the lung damage they saw as a result of EVALI was the worst they’d ever seen.

“They were so scarred they didn’t even deflate. It was definitely a different kind of damage than we usually see. This lung was literally solid, as if it was made out of truck-tire rubber.”

Although at first, it was unclear what was causing EVALI, it is now believed that inhaling vitamin-E acetate, a common thickening agent added to vape pods, may be damaging to the lungs. Inhalation of the substance may result in lung scarring or hardening, as well as decreased lung function and pain.

Are Juul pods safe if you have a history of seizures?

In addition to the risks of lung damage, use of Juul pens and other e-cigarettes has been linked to seizures. Over the past decade, many smokers have reported having a seizure after using a vape pen. Due to the possibility that vape pens may induce seizure activity, it may be best to avoid smoking Juuls or other e-cigarettes if you have a history of seizures or have been diagnosed with a seizure condition such as epilepsy.

Have any Juul seizure reports been filed?

At least 127 incidents of seizures occurring after use of a vape pen have been reported to the FDA over the past ten years. In addition to the reports of seizures, the agency has also received reports of e-cigarette users fainting, developing tremors, or experiencing other extreme neurological symptoms after smoking.

According to a brief posted by the FDA in August 2019, the administration is looking into the potential link between vaping and seizures, and will continue to update the public as more information becomes known.

While it is unknown what the link between nicotine and seizures may be, the effects of nicotine on the brain are complex, and the added chemicals in Juul pods and other nicotine cartridges may be even more harmful to the brain. Although these devices were initially advertised as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, vape pens and e-cigarettes appear to come with their own unique health hazards.

Should you seek legal help?

If you have experienced seizures after using Juul pods, you may be eligible to talk to an experienced attorney about your legal options. Some victims of e-cigarette injuries may be able to join or file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of these devices and pursue compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, or medical expenses.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join a free JUUL e-cigarette class action lawsuit investigation

If you or your child suffered seizures after vaping with a JUUL e-cigarette, you may benefit from participating in a free JUUL class action lawsuit investigation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented 
for informational purposes only.