Vaping and Bronchitis Obliterates Class Action Lawsuit

Update: Study Links Vaping to Cancer-Related Cell Damage

December 29, 2015 – A new study has identified chemicals in the vapor of e-cigarettes that can damage cells in a way that could cause cancer. Human cells exposed to the vapors showed breaks in DNA strands – a process that can lead to cancer. Click here to learn more.

What is Vaping?

E-cigarettes, also known as ‘vaporizers’ or ‘vapes,’ are battery operated inhalers that consist of a rechargeable battery, a cartridge called a cartomizer and an LED that lights up when you puff on one end of the device. ‘Vaping’ is the act of inhaling vapor through an e-cigarette. When the user draws on the inhaler, the battery heats the liquid, which is then atomized into vapor.

Chemicals in Flavored Vapes Linked to Incurable Lung Disease: Study

Vape manufacturers tout their devices as being a safe alternative to traditional cigarettes, but, according to a new study released by the Harvard School of Public Health, they may pose an equally dangerous risk compared to their nicotine-based counterparts. The researchers found that 75% of the vapes and their refill liquids tested contained diacetyl, a flavoring chemical linked to cases of severe respiratory disease such as bronchitis obliterans.
“Due to the associations between diacetyl, bronchiolitis obliterans and other severe respiratory diseases observed in workers, urgent action is recommended to further evaluate this potentially widespread exposure via flavored e-cigarettes,” the study’s authors concluded.

What is Bronchitis Obliterans?

Bronchitis obliterans, also called obliterative bronchitis (OB) and constrictive bronchitis (CB), is a rare and life-threatening lung disease that occurs when the bronchioles (small airway branches) are compressed and narrowed by scar tissue and/or inflammation. The disease first made news in 2001, when newspaper reporters broke a story about a mysterious respiratory illness plaguing workers at a popcorn plant in Missouri.
Upon examination, the doctors realized their patients’ symptoms were caused by permanent lung damage. Some people required lung transplants to treat the condition. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) investigated the cases and discovered the lung problems were exclusive to the plant employees who had worked closely with — and inhaled — the fragrant whiff of artificial butter, which is produced by diacetyl.

Symptoms

  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing
  • Scarring / hardening of lung tissue
  • Weight loss
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Skin Peeling

Does Vaping Cause Bronchitis Obliterans?

Health officials are still uncertain as to whether vaping actually cause bronchitis obliterans, since there have been no long-term studies conducted on users. Vapes are currently not regulated by the FDA, and there’s a lot experts still don’t understand about their health effects. Still, the concerns about bronchitis obliterans add to a growing body of literature about vape chemicals and worries that chronic use may lead to diseases like cancer.

Vaping Side Effects

  • Bronchiolitis Obliterans (aka Popcorn Lung)
  • Fixed Airway Obstruction
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Diseases of the Small Airways
  • Seizures
  • Pneumonia
  • Congestive heart failure (CHF)
  • Hypotension
  • Additional health problems

Do I Have a Class Action Lawsuit?

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in vaping lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new bronchitis obliterans cases in all 50 states.
Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you got bronchitis obliterans after vaping, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a class action suit and our lawyers can help.

FREE Confidential Case Evaluation

To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (866) 223-3784.

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