Understanding Medical Records After a Car Accident
Posted in: Legal Blog
KNR Legal Blog
E-cigarettes are marketed as a safer alternative to conventional tobacco products, but a growing number of medical professionals are starting to question whether they are safe at all. Health care workers are seeing an increase of hospitalizations for people who use e-cigarettes, and some believe that there is a definite link between the products and lung disease. Unfortunately, the devices are still relatively new and largely unregulated.
The product liability attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick are watching this issue closely. We work with our clients to hold product manufacturers liable for the injuries caused by defective products. If you incurred an injury from a defective e-cig, call us at contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW, or contact us through the online form. We offer free, initial case evaluations.
In order to discuss whether e-cigarettes are harmful to your lungs, it may be helpful to understand how these products work. E-cigarettes come in various models, some no bigger than the size of a pack of chewing gum. However, they all work in essentially the same way – they use a battery to heat a liquid, producing a vapor that is then inhaled by the user. The liquid can contain several different chemicals, including nicotine and other materials used to flavor the vapor. In recent years, the medical community has focused on the question of whether the chemicals used in e-cigarettes are actually safe for consumption.
After reviewing over 800 different studies, the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine released a report in January of 2018. The report, summarized by the American Lung Association, concluded that e-cigs clearly pose a number of potential health risks to users. These problems stem from the presence of various chemicals that are contained in and emitted by e-cigarettes. Such chemicals include:
The report indicates that young people who use e-cigarettes are at increased risk for coughs, wheezing, and asthma attacks. In addition, the U.S. Surgeon General has warned that secondhand e-cigarette emissions also pose health risks, as the emissions contain nicotine and other dangerous chemicals linked to serious lung disease.
Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is also covering what they are referring to as an outbreak of lung illnesses associated with e-cigarettes. The CDC reports that there are actually 450 possible cases of lung illnesses in 33 states and one U.S. territory, with five confirmed deaths.
There is still much to learn about e-cigarettes and whether they are truly safe. We need to better understand the link between these products and lung disease, who may be at risk, which specific chemicals are the most dangerous, and more. While e-cig companies want you to believe that these devices are safe, there are many questions that require answers.
In addition to lung disease, we are also beginning to recognize that there are other potential health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes:
If you’re suffering from lung disease or other health problems that you believe were caused by e-cigarettes, we want to talk to you. At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, we believe that people deserve compensation when they are injured as a result of false representations that a product is safe. Our Ohio personal injury lawyers fight for your rights and hold corporations accountable for their actions.
To schedule a free consultation, call us at contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW, or complete our online contact form today.