The FDA’s recent ruling on “heatsticks” may undermine the agency’s campaign against vaping, which is based on concerns about the health risks associated with the use of e-liquids.

What is a “Heatstick”?

According to Phillip Morris’ website, a heatstick is a tobacco unit that differs from traditional cigarettes because it does not burn. Instead, heatstick units will heat tobacco to high temperatures, releasing the heated tobacco and nicotine for consumers to inhale. These products deliver the taste of tobacco to consumers through a vapor rather than smoke, a difference they claim mitigates some of the detrimental side effects associated with burning tobacco products.

FDA Approves Phillip Morris Device

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Phillip Morris’ IQOS heated tobacco device, setting the bar for future producers of heatsticks looking for approval from the agency. Phillip Morris reportedly offered a significant amount of information in the company’s application for approval of its heatstick product. The FDA took two years to review the application and the IQOS has now become the first heated tobacco product to be sold in the U.S. market.

Some individuals are confused by the FDA’s recent move considering their history of warnings against vaping and concerns about the health risks of e-cigarettes and e-liquid health concerns. Vaping is similar to the use of a heatstick; the heatstick uses tobacco while the e-cigarette delivers the nicotine through a vaporized liquid. These liquids come in a variety of flavors and can contain various amounts of nicotine.

Risk of Seizures Connected to E-Cigarettes

In April 2019, the FDA released a warning informing the public that liquid-based vape pens may cause seizures. According to the agency, there have been 35 instances of seizures which have been reported to be related to e-cigarettes. There may be more that have gone unreported, since reporting to the FDA’s databases is entirely voluntary.

“While detailed information is currently limited, the FDA is alerting the public to this important and potentially serious health issue,” the FDA said in their announcement.

The seizures have reportedly occurred in numerous populations including first time e-cigarette users, experienced users, patients with a history of seizures, individuals using other drugs, and more. There is also no common brand reported between incidences of seizures.

“The thing that really strikes me about this is the FDA is well aware that we’re in the middle of this youth e-cigarette epidemic and they use that word and they’re clear about what’s going on,” a lawyer of Public Health told Law360.

“I cannot wrap my brain around why in the middle of this you would allow for the introduction of a new product that has so much more potential to make the situation worse.”

FDA Investigation Continues

The FDA will reportedly be continuing their investigation into e-liquid health concerns, but wants the public to be aware of the issue. Considering the fact that most reports involved “youth or young adult users”, the FDA will reportedly monitor the issue. The agency encourages consumers to report any instances of seizures that are related to vaping. These reports will help the FDA further investigate the risk.

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.