The e-cigarette manufacturer, Juul Labs Inc., has settled a lawsuit with the city of Chicago for millions of dollars over accusations that the company broke city laws in its practices. According to the city’s March 10 announcement, Juul has agreed to pay $23.8 million to settle the lawsuit filed in 2020.
The core claim of the lawsuit was that Juul Labs violated city ordinances by marketing and selling nicotine vaping products to youth in the city of Chicago. Although it did pay out the settlement, Juul denies any wrongdoing.
According to the press release, “JUUL appealed to youth with their colorful, playful media and social media marketing and used high nicotine contents to fuel ongoing use.” The city of Chicago also claims that in 2023, Chicago high school students are 1000% more likely to use e-cigarettes over traditional combustible cigarettes.
Dr. Allison Arwady, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), stated, “E-cigarette businesses cannot be allowed to come in our city and boost their profits at the expense of minors. The use of any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, among youth is a serious public health concern — to CDPH and parents across Chicago.”
E-cigarettes pose a number of health risks, including nicotine addiction, inhalation of toxic chemicals, increased risk of asthma attacks, and negative mental health outcomes. According to the CDPH, the funds of the settlement will be used to prevent and reduce youth vaping through education, local policies, parent and teacher support, e-cigarette quitting support, engagement and outreach, and other anti-vaping measures.
Joel Africk, President and CEO of the Respiratory Health Association, also voiced support for Chicago’s settlement with Juul Labs, stating, “We congratulate the City of Chicago in protecting our city’s youth against the dangers of vaping.”
Africk claims that the most recent data demonstrates a 56% increase in Chicago’s school-aged children’s usage of vape products.
If you have been injured by a Juul Labs e-cigarette or other consumer product, you may be eligible to pursue a case for financial compensation. Contact Medtruth today for a free case evaluation.