Electronic cigarette company Juul Labs recently announced the replacement of CEO Kevin Burns with tobacco executive K.C. Crosthwaite.

Juul Replaces CEO, Pulls Advertising

Tech Crunch reports that on Sept. 25, Juul announced that CEO Kevin Burns had stepped down and would be replaced by K.C. Crosthwaite. Crosthwaite previously served as the chief growth officer at tobacco company Altria.

Formerly known as Philip Morris Companies, Inc., Altria is one of the world’s largest cigarette and tobacco producers and marketers, counting Marlboro cigarettes among its many holdings. In December 2018, Altria invested $12.8 billion for a 35 percent stake in Juul, according to CNBC.

The leadership change was announced about a month after Burns warned non-smokers to stay away from the company’s products, stating, “Don’t start using nicotine if you don’t have a preexisting relationship with nicotine. Don’t use the product. You’re not our target consumer.”

Juul announced the CEO change just a day after Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency and instituted a four-month ban on the sale and distribution of vape pens and e-cigarettes in the state. According to local news affiliate WWLP, this is believed to be the first outright ban of vaping products in the U.S.

In addition to requiring brick-and-mortar stores to immediately pull these products from shelves, the Massachusetts ban also applies to online vaping products. Juul disabled online shipping to Massachusetts addresses less than 24 hours following the announcement.

Although the Massachusetts e-cigarette ban is believed to be the first of its kind, multiple states, cities, and even President Donald Trump have proposed other bans. Following the recent proposed ban of flavored e-cigarettes by the Trump administration, Juul announced that it would pull all print, digital, and television advertising in the United States. Additionally, the e-cigarette company claims it will not be fighting e-cigarette legislation and regulation.

Crosthwaite, the new CEO, said Juul will “strive to work with regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders” and will be “inviting an open dialogue, listening to others and being responsive to their concerns,” according to tbe Los Angeles Tmes.

Reports of E-Cig Heart Problems and Lung Disease On the Rise

More than 530 people have been diagnosed with lung illnesses related to the use of vape pens and e-cigarettes. At least eight people have died as a result of these adverse reactions. While the cause of these illnesses is still not known, it’s believed that Vitamin E acetate, a common additive in vaping devices, may play a role.

Although Juul vapes and other e-cigarettes are often billed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, they have been linked to many dangerous side effects. E-cig heart problems, lung illnesses, and seizures have all been connected to vaping. Hundreds of people have been hospitalized with severe vaping lung diseases and have reported symptoms including shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, fatigue, and weight loss.

While the full effects of vaping products are still being researched, evidence indicates that e-cig heart problems and lung issues are common side effects of these products. People who have experienced e-cig heart problems and lung illnesses may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers and pursue compensation for their injuries and medical expenses.