In a response to the growing health and legislation concerns surrounding the industry, Walmart announced it will no longer be selling E-Cigarettes and other vaping devices.
In May, Walmart raised the Minimum Age to buy Tobacco Products to 21, as well as stopped selling sweet, fruity flavors in an effort to deter minors. Now, the company has joined retailers like Rite Aid and CVS who are discontinuing e-cigarette sales all-together.
Is There a Problem?
Many cigarette and vaping products contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. When someone becomes addicted to a nicotine product at a young age, it becomes more difficult to quit, and often leads to becoming addicted for life.
The statistics are staggering. From 2017 to 2018, there was an increase of 1.5 million students using e-cigarettes. These results coming after a long-term decrease in youth using traditional cigarettes.
Percentage of Youth (High School) Usage
The Health Risks
According to the CDC, as of October 15th, 2019, there have been over 1,400 lung injury cases associated with the use of e-cigarette or vaping products. In addition, there have been 33 deaths confirmed in 24 states. Many of these victims used THC products, particularly those obtained from informal sources, like off the street.
The first wrongful death lawsuit has been filed for one of these deaths in Michigan, against the company JUUL. Will more follow?
A Lot Still Unknown
There is a lot we still don’t know about the health risks e-cigarettes and vaping products pose. The CDC is updating weekly on the latest reports of injuries and deaths here. If you have questions regarding injuries due to e-cigarettes or vaping products, talk to one of our attorneys today.