It is commonly known that cigarettes are dangerous. They contain hundreds of chemicals and toxins, many identified as carcinogenic, or cancer-causing. While millions of people smoke cigarettes on a daily basis, with increasing knowledge of the consequences of smoking cigarettes, many individuals have chosen to forgo the practice. This means reduced sales and profits for tobacco companies, which has led to their latest product, e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes use a liquid solution containing nicotine which is heated to a vapor. The vapor is then inhaled by the user. Although the risks associated with e-cigarette use are not well researched, and any studies that have been conducted have turned up little results, e-cigarettes have been touted as “safer” than regular cigarettes and helpful to those who are trying to quit smoking.
The United States Senate has recently begun investigating advertising and marketing used by e-cigarette companies, which they suspect are targeting younger Americans. For two hours, Senators on the Commerce Committee questioned the presidents of two e-cigarette companies, blu eCig and Njoy, about their current marketing practices. E-cigarette companies’ advertising and marketing plans includes sponsoring events, such as car races, and producing TV commercials arguably aimed at younger individuals.
Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. questioned the fact that e-cigarettes come in flavors such as Cherry Crush and Peach Schnapps. The Senate Commerce Committee Chairman, Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., reportedly stated, “[t]he last thing anyone should want to do is encourage young people to start using a new nicotine delivery product.” Studies have concluded that 7% of teenagers have used an e-cigarette at least once in the past year, while 2% have used one within the past month.
In light of the fact that e-cigarettes contain an array of chemicals, it is likely that they are accompanied by their own host of health risks. Similar to tobacco lawsuits of the past and present, e-cigarettes may also give rise to new bases for litigation. The experienced attorneys in Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri LLC’s complex personal injury and medical malpractice group can help if you or a loved one has been harmed because of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or tobacco. Contact Sarno da Costa D’Aniello Maceri LLC today at 973-274-5200.
