There is now no reasonable excuse for ignorance about the dangers of vaping and e-cigarettes. While when they first came out, there was misinformation that they were safer than cigarettes, the truth seems to be far from that. This makes it all the more devastating to learn just how many youths are starting to use and continuing to use vaping products. Read on to learn more. If your child has been injured using a vaping product, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Youth Usage of Vaping Products Has Increased in the Last Five years
Consider that in 2017 about 11% of high school students reported that they had used a vaping product or e-cigarette in the last month. In just one year, by 2018, that number was 21%. In 2019 more than one in four – 27.5% to be precise – of high school students said that they had used an e-cigarette in the past month.
Consider that in 2011 only 1.5% of youth said they had used an e-cigarette at all. This is an increase of more than 1,800% in less than ten years, with the most jarring increase coming between 2013 and 2015 when the number rose from 4.5% to 16%. It is likely not a coincidence that this was when the JUUL became widely available. Even middle schoolers are using these products: In 2011 there were 0.6% reporting they had used these products while in 2019 more than 10% said they had.
E-Cigarette Use Increases the Chance of Smoking Cigarettes
Another concerning factor of the increase in e-cigarettes, beyond the burn injuries and health issues that could occur, is the fact that young people who use e-cigarettes are four times as likely to try to smoke cigarettes, and four times as likely to currently use cigarettes if they had previously used e-cigarettes. One study showed that about 22% of new cigarette usage could be traced to e-cigarette usage – which makes up about 200,000 new cigarette users each year.
Many People Are Unaware of What is Truly in E-Cigarettes
According to one study, about 99% of all e-cigarettes you can buy at gas stations, supermarkets, and similar places have nicotine – yet many people believe that they do not. One study of JUUL users between the ages of 15 and 21 found that about 2/3rds of them believed there was no nicotine, despite the fact that all JUUL products do indeed have nicotine.
These stats and facts are scary but fortunately there are often steps that can be taken when the e-cigarette manufacturers harm citizens. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury caused by these products, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707. We can consider your case to help you better understand the options available to you.
