E-cigarette use is on the rise.  More commonly called vaping, the flavored liquid in these products is heated into a vapor by the device, which is inhaled by the user. The creation and use of vapor when using an e-cigarette like Juul is why the devices have come to be known as vape pens.

What are Juuls?

Juul is a brand of electronic cigarette, or vape pen. The vape pens produced by the company are known as Juuls.

A Juul is a handheld electronic device used to deliver nicotine and flavor to the user via an inhaled vapor. TeensHealth explains that Juuls and other vape pens are battery-powered and have cartridges containing a liquid. The liquid is usually composed of nicotine, chemicals, and a flavor to make the products appealing. One other element that makes vapes distinctive from other tobacco products is their resemblance to other technological devices.

Critics argue that many e-cigarette companies designed these devices to look like pieces of technology to appeal to a younger audience. They can even be charged in the USB port of a charging cord or a laptop. Allegedly, this design was just one way that makers attempted to entice young people and conceal the dangers of vape products. 

In addition to the vape’s design, Juul has also been accused of using young models and teen-friendly flavors to market the product to underage smokers.

In January 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a ban on flavored vape products except for menthol and tobacco flavors. Prior to the ban, popular vape pen flavors included creme brulee, watermelon ice, apple pie, and blue raspberry. However, teens quickly found a loophole in the ban. While fruity flavors of refillable Juuls and vape pens have been banned, disposable vape pens are still allowed to be produced in a variety of teen-friendly flavors.

Vox explains that critics speculate that vape companies focus on the teen and young adult market so as not to compete with an audience already corned by Big Tobacco. According to critics, e-cigarette companies like Juul have essentially created a new market by getting young people addicted to nicotine in vape pens.

Are Juuls Bad for Your Lungs?

Vape pens are often advertised as smoking cessation products, but critics worry that this hides a grimmer reality. Companies like Juul not only disguise vape pens as a means to stop smoking, they may be concealing the nicotine content and other possible health effects. The FDA explains that many young people may not be aware that Juuls can be dangerous, and may believe that they are harmless. At least one study of underage smokers found that a significant portion may not even be aware that they are vaping nicotine. Some middle and high school vape users reported that they believed they were are only inhaling flavored vapor. However, most vape pens contain nicotine, and many e-cigarette brands don’t offer a nicotine-free.

Juuls have not been around long enough for the medical community to fully understand the health effects. Vaping became popular about a decade ago and has continued to grow. It wasn’t until recently that experts began seeing negative health consequences, which like smoking, can include nicotine addiction and lung damage.

Increased reports of vaping-related lung illnesses and injuries have reached the federal government, raising concern about the possible danger vapes may pose to lungs. In 2019, an outbreak of vaping related lung illnesses caused many users to become alarmed. As of February 2020, at least 2,807 people had been hospitalized due to this lung illness; 68 had died.

Early exposure to nicotine can set young people up for lifelong nicotine addiction and may pose a risk for lung damage. Unfortunately, nicotine is not the only chemical in Juuls and vape pens that have experts concerned.

Global business news website Quartz explains that the chemicals glycerin and propylene glycol are in many vape pens. Both chemicals have been labeled safe by the FDA. However, Quartz stresses that not all substances safe for ingestion are safe for inhalation. Quartz quips that water is one such substance.

Clinical studies have found that both chemicals are irritants to the lining of the lungs. To make matters worse, one study indicated that vapors from glycerin and propylene glycol can change the mucous lining of the respiratory tract, known as sputum. The vapors reportedly altered the proteins in the sputum. According to Quartz, these changes to proteins are connected to asthma. 

Do Juuls Cause Lung Cancer?

The Chicago Tribune explored a particularly concerning element of potential lung damage that may be linked to vape use. A new study examined the effects of e-cigarette vapor in mice, revealing that the vapor containing nicotine may be linked to cancer.

After 20 hours of exposure per week, 22.5% of the mice given e-cigarette nicotine vapor developed adenocarcinoma, a kind of lung cancer. Moreover, 57.5% of the mice given e-cigarette vapor showed an abnormal growth of cells in the bladder usually seen in cancer.

Vaping, as opposed to smoking traditional cigarettes, may pose an increased risk of nicotine side effects, as it may be harder for users to keep track of how much smoke they’ve inhaled in a given time period. Due to the smooth vapor of e-cigarettes, it may be possible for smokers to inadvertently ingest more nicotine than intended.

Have Any Juul Lawsuits Been Filed?

Consumers and parents of teen users have already sued Juul in an attempt to hold the company accountable for injuries they claim are linked to vape use. 

Five separate lawsuits have accused Juul of targeting its marketing to young Native Americans. These targeted ads are alleged to dangerously downplay the potential risks of vaping.

In another instance, parents and school districts have joined together to file a class action lawsuit against Juu for allegedly putting a user at risk for a more severe case of COVID-19. COVID-19 has been characterized by its attack on the lungs, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. Allegedly, Juul use also imperils lung health and can leave a user additionally vulnerable to this dangerous new virus.

Should You File a Juul Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one have suffered illness after using Juul, you may have a legal claim. Compensation from a Juul lawsuit can help you to pay medical bills, lost wages, or other financial difficulties linked to alleged Juul-related injuries.  It is also a good idea to speak with an attorney about your legal options. Some victims may be able to join a class action lawsuit against the manufacturers of these potentially dangerous products.