JUUL Health Problems and Addiction in Young People
E-cigarettes and vaping have increased in popularity in recent years, especially among teenagers and young adults. After decades of declining smoking rates among teenagers, the introduction of rechargeable and low-profile e-cigarettes, including JUUL devices, has reversed that trend. In 2011, only 1.5 percent of high school students reported using e-cigarettes. The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that by 2017, 37.3 percent of high school seniors reported vaping nicotine in the previous 30 days. And by 2018, that number increased to 20.9 percent. In addition, more than one in 10 eighth grade students now say they’ve used an e-cigarette within the past year.

JUUL Products Are Marketed to Teenagers

The increase in e-cigarette and JUUL usage among teenagers can be attributed to new, sleek product designs and social media-based marketing campaigns targeting adolescents and young adults. JUUL’s manufacturer markets its product as a safer alternative to cigarettes and uses young, trendy models in its advertising campaigns. It also uses sweet flavorings and patented nicotine salts to make it easier for users to inhale the vapors released by their e-cigarettes. As a result, e-cigarettes, especially JUUL products, have become widespread in American high schools. Because of their sleek, low-profile designs, they’re easy for students to hide in their backpacks, pockets, or purses. In addition, the scents produced by JUUL products are less detectable than those produced by traditional cigarettes, making it easier for students to use the devices at school without getting caught.

Nicotine Harms Adolescents’ Brains

The increase in e-cigarette and JUUL usage among teenagers is alarming because of the effects that nicotine has on developing brains. Because the brain doesn’t become fully formed and developed until around the age of 25, adolescents and young adults are particularly susceptible to both physical injuries and addiction. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), teenagers who use nicotine-based e-cigarettes and JUUL devices can suffer damage in the parts of their brains that control attention, learning, mood, and impulse control. Nicotine also effects the formation of synapses between brain cells, which can increase the likelihood of addiction. In addition, ingredients in vapor-producing liquids in e-cigarettes can be harmful to the lungs, and some e-cigarette users have been injured or burned by malfunctioning or exploding devices. Other reported and potential JUUL-related injuries include seizures, strokes, heart attacks, heart problems, mental health problems, and even suicide.

We’re Here to Help People Who Were Harmed by JUUL Products

At Berg Injury Lawyers, it’s our goal to protect people who were harmed by negligent product manufacturers. JUUL products are intentionally marketed to young people, and the effects of nicotine on developing bodies and brains are well-documented and understood. If you or someone you love uses or used JUUL as a minor or young adult and suffered an injury, developed an addiction to nicotine, or switched to traditional cigarettes or other high-dosage nicotine-delivery devices, we want to speak with you. Our California defective product lawyers want to help you get the compensation you deserve for everything you’ve been through. Contact us today for a free consultation. JUUL is a registered trademark of Juul Labs, Inc. Berg Injury Lawyers is not associated with, sponsored by, or affiliated with the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or Juul Labs, Inc.