E-Cigarettes Pose a Serious Danger to Children

When e-cigarettes and vaping devices first appeared on the market, many advertisements claimed that they were safe alternatives to tobacco cigarettes and other addictive products. A wide variety of colors and flavors soon hit the market, many of which tasted or smelled like candy, attracting children and young teens. As can be predicted, this has led to some new health issues and concerns. Research has shown that as e-cigarettes have increased in popularity, the number of child poisoning cases has also increased. In 2014, a toddler in New York consumed e-cigarette liquid and passed away from the toxic substance. According to the National Poison Data System, child poisonings from nicotine in e-cigarettes rose from 6 in a month (2013) to 223 in a month (2015). This is about seven young children each day, most of them under the age of 2. A bill has recently moved up to President Obama that would require child-resistant packaging for e-cigarette liquids. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has drafted rules to ban e-cigarettes from minors. There is nothing to stop the companies from creating “kid-friendly” flavors, such as cotton candy or bubblegum, though. Changing the packaging or discoursing use in minors is only a partial solution when it comes to the dangers of e-cigarettes. Some studies are suggesting that the nicotine levels in e-cigarettes and the mixture of chemicals in the liquids can be just as harmful as the concoction found in typical cigarettes. Until more research is conducted and more regulations are enacted, e-cigarettes will continue to be a health hazard for children and adults. If you or your child have fallen ill due to e-cigarette usage or consumption, you may be able to file a lawsuit to receive compensation for your medical bills or losses. Contact Williams DeClark Tuschman and schedule a free case evaluation.