What are the dangers of e-cigarettes?

Serious health risks have been linked to vaping, particularly among teens and children. While many think e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to traditional cigarette products, they still deliver nicotine and harmful chemicals into the lungs and bloodstream. 

At Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers, we represent people across Murfreesboro, Nashville, and Smyrna who’ve been harmed by dangerous products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems. A abogado de lesiones personales de Nashville from our team can explain your rights and help you explore legal options for recovery.

What chemicals are in e-cigarettes?

Despite their sleek design and flavored options, e-cigarettes don’t just produce water vapor. These devices heat a nicotine-filled liquid using a battery-powered heating element, creating a mist that users inhale into their lungs. The result is an aerosol loaded with harmful chemicals, not harmless steam.

Chemicals commonly found in e-cigarette aerosol

• Nicotine: a highly addictive substance that can interfere with brain development in teens and young adults
• Propylene glycol: a chemical used in fog machines and food products, known to irritate the eyes and lungs when inhaled
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): linked to respiratory irritation and long-term organ damage
• Heavy metals: including nickel, tin, and lead, which may come from the device’s heating coil
• Cancer-causing chemicals: these include formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, both known to form during the heating process
• Artificial flavorings: some contain diacetyl, a chemical tied to a serious lung disease called popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans)

While e-cigarettes don’t produce carbon monoxide or tar like traditional cigarettes, they still expose users to toxic compounds, especially when used frequently.

Are e-cigarettes addictive?

Yes. The nicotine in e-cigarettes is the same addictive substance found in cigarettes and other tobacco products. Nicotine addiction can develop quickly, especially in teenagers whose brains are still developing. Signs of nicotine addiction include strong cravings for nicotine, trouble concentrating, and feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when not using it.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that someone can become addicted to nicotine even before they start using e-cigarettes daily. Nicotine also increases the risk of developing other substance use disorders later in life.

How vaping affects teens in Tennessee

Tennessee now ranks as the state with the most adult vapers, and use among kids and teens is rising fast. Schools across the state have reported e-cigarette use among students as young as third grade. 

The health risks for teenagers include:

• Damage to the parts of the brain that control mood, memory, and impulse control
• Increased likelihood of addiction to other substances
• Poor academic performance
• Long-term respiratory issues

State leaders are considering ID checks and tighter sales restrictions to reduce access. But e-cigarettes are still widely available in gas stations and vape shops throughout Rutherford County and surrounding areas. Despite age restrictions, teens often get these products through friends or social media.

Can vaping harm pregnant women and babies?

E-cigarettes are unsafe during pregnancy. The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have both stated that nicotine harms developing fetal lungs and brain and increases the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. 

Even though e-cigarettes do not produce smoke, the chemicals in the aerosol still reach the fetus. There is no safe level of nicotine exposure during pregnancy.

Are vaping injuries caused by defective products?

Yes. Vaping injuries are not limited to long-term health problems. Some users have been harmed by exploding batteries or defective devices. These incidents have caused facial burns, dental injuries, fire-related property damage, and serious Injuries to hands, legs, or pockets from overheated batteries. If a vaping product caused an injury due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn, the injured person may have a product liability claim.

Can I sue for injuries caused by vaping?

You may have a legal case if you were harmed by:

• A defective vaping product
• False or misleading marketing
• Exposure to harmful chemicals that caused illness
• Severe addiction that developed without proper health warnings

A successful personal injury claim may help you recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future care costs. Our attorneys at Weir & Kestner can review your case and help determine whether a lawsuit is possible under Tennessee product liability law.

What role does the FDA play in regulating e-cigarettes?

The FDA oversees all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This means that manufacturers must submit product applications before selling new devices and include proper labeling and warnings. Manufacturers also have to respond to safety concerns and injury reports

Keep in mind that many vaping products entered the market before FDA enforcement tightened. As a result, unapproved devices and flavored cartridges are still widely sold. Anyone can report e-cigarette injuries to the FDA’s Safety Reporting Portal. These reports may support legal action if the product is linked to your injury.

Why choose Weir & Kestner for your vaping injury case?

We understand the impact dangerous products have on Tennessee families. When you work with our legal team, you get flexible scheduling, digital signing, regular updates, clear communication, and a direct line to a licensed attorney

We’ve helped clients win compensation after injuries caused by defective or hazardous products. If you were harmed by a vaping product, we are here to listen and help you move forward.

Get legal help from Weir & Kestner injury lawyers in Tennessee

You don’t have to face this alone. If you’re dealing with nicotine addiction, a battery explosion injury, or long-term health problems from vaping, Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers can help. We offer free consultations and serve clients across Middle Tennessee. Call (615) 220-4180 today or schedule online.