While there is no doubt that e-cigarettes are dangerous, a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention presents a much greater problem that has previously been overlooked. According to the study, approximately 18.3 million middle school and high school students were exposed to at least one source of e-cigarette advertising in 2014. To put that figure into further perspective, it represents nearly 70% of the total study participants. Of this marketing, approximately “14 million students were exposed to [e-cigarette] ads in retail stores, 10.5 million students were exposed to ads on the internet, 9.6 million students were exposed watching TV or movies, and 8 million students while reading newspapers or magazines.”
Additionally, the study concluded that e-cigarettes were the most common tobacco product used by children in that same age bracket in 2014, which only underlines the apparent effectiveness of e-cigarette marketing. Just to start, there are a variety of obvious concerns with marketing any device like e-cigarettes to children. Even ignoring those concerns, the fact of the matter is that these products deliver nicotine into the body, which is known to stunt brain development in children.
There is simply no disputing that these products are dangerous. In addition to questionable marketing tactics targeting children, e-cigarettes have a whole host of other issues. There has been a history of the rechargeable batteries exploding; leading people to suffer from catastrophic injuries, and in spite of all this the e-cigarette industry just grows larger. Unfortunately, as the product’s marketing continues to expand, it will collect more and more users who are seeking to take advantage of its benefits without fully understanding all the potential risks.
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of an e-cigarette or vaping device, it is recommended that you seek experienced legal counsel immediately.