Los Angeles officials are considering banning all e-cigarettes and vaping devices in the city, one of the most extreme measures yet to crack down on a nationwide outbreak of lung illnesses linked to vaping. According to a Los Angeles Times news report, amid reports that more than 1,000 people have been diagnosed with severe lung problems, politicians nationwide have been pushing restrictions on vaping devices and e-cigarettes, which have skyrocketed in popularity among young people, especially teenagers and young adults, in recent years.
Federal and Local Pushback
Earlier this year, San Francisco became the first city in the country to ban e-cigarettes. Massachusetts also recently enforced a four-month ban on e-cigarettes while Michigan and New York have outlawed flavored vaping products, which have been known to lure younger users.
The proposal from Los Angeles would essentially ban the sale of e-cigarettes and vaping equipment until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined them to be safe. Since the federal agency has not approved such devices, the law would ban all of them. The recent rash of lung illnesses, which have so far claimed 18 lives nationwide, inspired Councilman Paul Koretz to propose the vaping ban.
Health officials have been perplexed by what has caused this recent spate of illnesses, but all have been linked to vaping or e-cigarette use. California health officials have already advised people to stop vaping until more is known about the root cause of these lung illnesses.
The outbreak has also given rise to legislation that has caused a rift among public health experts. Some believe such restrictions will prevent a generation of people from getting addicted to nicotine. But, others worry they will remove options for adults who want to try and quit smoking. The Trump administration has also proposed a ban on flavored e-cigarettes, and several states are on their way to adopt similar laws. Individual cities in Southern California, such as Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach, are also looking at city ordinances that will ban these products.
Dangerous Products
Our product defect attorneys have long maintained that e-cigarettes are extremely dangerous products. We have also learned they can be defective products made with substandard parts and potentially explode, catch fire, and cause serious injuries. If you or a loved one has become ill or has been injured as a result of using e-cigarettes, an experienced product defect lawyer can help you better understand your legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2019-10-08/e-cigarettes-vaping-devices-proposed-ban-los-angeles
