If your child has become addicted to JUUL, an electronic nicotine delivery system, our experienced litigation attorneys are here to help.
At Stark & Stark, we are committed to fighting this health hazard and the unethical targeting of underage smokers through lawsuits against the makers of JUUL. With our extensive resources and years of litigation experience, our team is fully prepared to take on the creators and owners of JUUL to hold them accountable for the teens who have become addicted to nicotine.
With marketing targeted specifically at children and teens, packaging meant to be easily concealed, and an extremely addictive composition, JUUL has become a dangerous health concern for our youth. Study after study has shown how far JUUL is willing to go to turn young adults into lifelong customers and while many begin using the product thinking it’s a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, the reality is very different.
The significant and deadly hazard presented by JUUL smoking is so concerning that the U.S. General Surgeon has labeled e-cigarettes a “national epidemic” among teens.
What is JUUL?
JUUL is a brand of e-cigarette, an electronic nicotine delivery system that vaporizes a liquid for inhalation. This process is also known as vaping. The liquid used is contained in replaceable cartridges called pods, which come in a variety of flavors. JUUL is known for its USB (flash drive) shape, which makes it easy to conceal and use in public places like schools.
The liquid used in JUUL pods contain nicotine salts from tobacco leaves. Just one pod contains as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes. When the vapor from the JUUL is inhaled, nicotine is then absorbed at the same rate as a regular cigarette.
With JUUL, the vapor can be smoother than the harsh irritants associated with regular cigarettes, leading the smoker to think it’s a healthier alternative. This is not the case at all and with nearly double the amount of nicotine concentrate of other e-cigarettes on the market, JUUL presents a significantly increased risk of addiction.
How dangerous is JUUL?
Although it’s marketed as a safer option than smoking, JUUL usage is also considerably dangerous and addicting. Because e-cigarettes have only been on the market for a decade, the long-term effects aren’t known. However, more and more studies are beginning to show short-term effects such as rapid deterioration of vascular function, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. JUUL has also been linked to seizures and strokes, prompting the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a warning.
The nicotine JUUL contains is a known carcinogen and can affect the organs, as well as harm brain development in children and teens. Given its high nicotine content, the addictive nature of JUUL combined with its adverse health effects makes it extremely dangerous.
How is JUUL targeting children and teens?
In just one year, e-cigarette use saw a 78% increase in usage among high schoolers and a 48% increase among middle schoolers. Recent research shows how JUUL has targeted children and teens since its launch, with one study showing over half of the company’s social media posts geared toward teens and another study citing their marketing as “youth-oriented.”
To further entice teens, JUUL also produces the pods in various flavors that are known to be very appealing to them, such as mango, fruit, and mint.
An additional concerning factor in JUUL’s advertising is the lack of information regarding the nicotine it contains. A study published in Tobacco Control found that 63% of JUUL users between 15-24 didn’t know the product always contains nicotine.
As a result of their tactics, JUUL is currently under federal investigation. Through messaging, branding choices and a lack of information as to the dangers of use, JUUL has clearly targeted children and teens.
How can we hold JUUL responsible? Is there a JUUL Lawsuit?
Our firm is committed to holding JUUL accountable for its role in the increased usage of e-cigarettes in our youth and the resulting health effects through litigation.
We also plan to use community initiatives to educate both parents and students on the health hazards of e-cigarettes and JUUL in particular, as well as dispel the myth that they are a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes.
How can you quit JUUL?
Parents should educate their children on the dangers of vaping in order to prevent a life-long addiction. For those who have already become addicted there are ways to quit, many of which are similar to traditional smoking cessation methods.
Here are some helpful resources to help you or your child quit:
- Truth Initiative: Quitting Smoking Vaping
- Become an Ex (Mayo Clinic developed program)
- gov (National Cancer Institute developed program)
A unique, free text-based program has also been created to provide support for those seeking to quit. To find more information on this, click here.
Our experienced JUUL Lawsuit Team
If your child has been a victim of JUUL’s marketing and highly addictive composition, our Stark & Stark attorneys are here to help. For parents, this can be a very difficult and frustrating experience as they watch their child cause potential short and long-term harm. Our team understands how serious this is and wants to make sure you’re fairly represented in making sure JUUL is held accountable for their role in creating the addiction.
