E-Cigarette

Numerous consumers have filed an E-cigarette lawsuit after experiencing harmful side effects and alleging that E-cigarettes contain harmful ingredients. For some, E-cigarettes have become a popular alternative to smoking tobacco products for health reasons. However, there has been much debate about whether E-cigarettes are actually harmful. Recently, a study was conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on E-cigarettes and specifically, their flavorings, to assess whether they could cause lung damage. Researchers found that a flavoring chemical linked to lung disease was found in more than 75 percent of the flavored E-cigarettes and refill liquids that they tested.

Which Flavoring Ingredient Is Potentially Harmful?

E-Cigarette FlavoringsOut of the thousands of ingredients that flavor E-cigarettes, one chemical in particular, diacetyl, stands out. Diacetyl has a buttery flavor and has been commonly used in food products. However, it has also has been associated with causing a form of lung disease referred to as “popcorn lung” for a long time. Popcorn lung or its medical name, Bronchiolitus Obliterans, is an untreatable lung disease that can result from the inhalation of diacetyl. When consumed in food, diacetyl seems to have little effect, however, when inhaled, the chemical could cause harm by scarring the air sacs in the lungs to a point where they stop working. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that current evidence points to diacetyl as a flavoring that is associated with lung disease. Diacetyl is also used in E-cigarette flavorings for candy and fruit flavors.

Why Are These Flavoring Ingredients Allowed?

E-cigarettes are not currently regulated. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates flavorings to make sure they are safe to be used in foods. Many of these flavorings, including diacetyl, have been tested and used for a long time under the presumption that they would be eaten. As a result they have been classified by the FDA as “Generally Recognized As Safe.” However, the FDA did not test the effects of these flavorings when they are inhaled as they are now being used in E-cigarettes. In addition, manufacturers are using alternative chemicals, such as acetoin and acetyl propanol, as a substitute for diacetyl in their flavorings. These chemicals have also been deemed to be safe, however, their chemical structures are identical to diacetyl and have been found to be equally harmful when inhaled.

Speak With an E-Cigarette Lawyer

E-cigarette Lawyer meeting with couple suffering side effects of E-Cigarette FlavoringsIf you or someone you know has suffered side effects after using E-cigarettes, speak with an E-cigarette lawyer at d’Oliveira & Associates. You may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced E-cigarette lawyers, who are investigating these cases. They may be able to file an E-cigarette lawsuit for you and they charge no fee unless you win an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online.

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Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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