In a recent warning, the U.S. Surgeon General reported that between 2011 and 2015, e-cigarette use in high school students rose 900 percent and in 2018, 20.8% of high school students used e-cigarettes. Of all e-cigarettes on the market JUUL is the most popular, seeing a 600% increase in sales during 2016-2017 and making up nearly 60% of the market thanks in part to its sleek design and flavored liquid cartridges. The cartridges contain a nicotine e-liquid formula that comes in various flavors appealing to young people. According to data on truthiniative.org, 15-17-year-olds are 16 times more likely to use JUUL that those aged 25-34
How the JUUL works - When a user inhales on the device a heating mechanism is triggered. The formula in the cartridge is heated until vaporized and the vapors are then inhaled then exhaled by the user. Unfortunately, the vapors in JUUL devices contain a number of chemicals including nicotine at a level higher than any other e-cigarette on the market.
High levels of nicotine - At 5% nicotine by volume, a JUUL cartridge, or pod, can have over twice as much nicotine as other competitors’ cartridges. The amount of nicotine in one JUUL cartridge is equivalent to a pack of cigarettes and with young people often using multiple cartridges in one sitting, the nicotine levels entering the body are extreme.
Resembling a USB drive, a JUUL can be easily hidden by students from teachers and administrators. The odorless vapor can be inhaled and exhaled in a matter of seconds with no trace. “JUULing” has become extremely popular in schools across the country. While cigarette smoking in young people has been in steady decline, vaping and particularly JUUL usage is on the rise exposing young people to dangerous levels of addictive nicotine.
Side effects of vaporized nicotine - Nicotine is associated with increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Long-term exposure has been linked with stroke and heart disease. There are also studies that link nicotine use to cancers. Specific to young people, nicotine can have serious effects on a developing brain which continues to develop until around age 25. Medical professionals believe that the highly addictive nature of nicotine has an even greater impact on adolescents and young adults than on adults. Recent reports show that nicotine can make the brain more susceptible to other addictions by elevating dopamine levels which can increase appetite for other reward-seeking behaviors like drinking, drug use and gambling.
Does Your Case Qualify for a Lawsuit Against the Makers of JUUL e-cigarettes? JUUL e-cigarettes have been specifically marketed towards young people with their candy and fruit flavors despite containing extremely high levels of nicotine. Nicotine is not only addictive but also is dangerous to adolescent brain development. Nicotine and other harmful chemicals contained in vape liquid have been associated with the following conditions:
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