FDA Warns JUUL for Claiming Vaping is Safe Despite Health Risks

FDA Sends Warning Letter to JUUL Labs for JUUL marketing

On September 9th, 2019 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a warning letter to JUUL Labs, manufacturer of the popular JUUL vape device, regarding their marketing of JUUL as a smoking cessation tool. The FDA regulates both traditional tobacco products and “ENDS” products (e-cigarettes and e-liquid). The FDA stated to JUUL Labs their JUUL vape product is a adulterated tobacco product lacking safety evidence.

FDA Says JUUL Failed to Show Evidence Vaping Safer than Smoking

The FDA notes that JUUL Labs has failed to show that vaping has long term health benefits compared to tobacco smoking, and specifically called out JUUL Labs for their multiple prior statements such as JUUL “was much safer than cigarettes” or “99% safer than cigarettes”.

FDA Highlights Testimony JUUL Told Schoolchildren Juuling was “totally safe”

The FDA letter particularly targeted prior JUUL Labs behavior in visiting schools to tell children vaping was safe. We have written previously on what is likely illegal marketing of vaping to teenagers by JUUL Labs.

The warning letter specifically notes times and places JUUL was represented as a safe product, which came up during congressional testimony investigating their marketing practices:

The July 24-25, 2019 House Subcommittee hearing included the following evidence:
1. A JUUL representative speaking with students at his presentation stated that JUUL “was much safer than cigarettes” and that “FDA would approve it any day.”[1]
2. The JUUL representative speaking with students at his presentation called JUUL “totally safe.”[2]
3. The JUUL representative speaking with students at his presentation stated that a student “…should mention JUUL to his [nicotine-addicted] friend…because that’s a safer alternative than smoking cigarettes, and it would be better for the kid to use.”[3]
4. The JUUL representative speaking with students at his presentation stated, “FDA was about to come out and say it [JUUL] was 99% safer than cigarettes…and that…would happen very soon….”[4]

The Side Effects of Vaping

Studies in mice have shown vaping has similar effects on the lung and cardiovascular system as cigarette smoke, a dangerous warning sign the purported health benefits of “making the switch” may not be as large as claimed, and possibly not exist at all.

Other studies have looked into and found links between vaping and heart attack, vaping and stroke, vaping and popcorn lung or wet lung, and 100’s of cases of lipoid pneumonia are now occurring around the United States from both THC pods and nicotine pods including JUUL pods.

Levin Simes – JUUL Lawyers

Levin Simes has been investigating vape products for years. Our  attorneys are are the forefront of the science behind why 18650 batteries explode, and are accepting and investigating vape, ejuice, and JUUL injuries and death. Levin Simes represents those injured by vaping, including asthma, heart attack, stroke, seizures, and wrongful death. Contact the vape lawyers at Levin Simes for a free and private consultation. Email us at info@levinsimes.com, start a chat here, or call us at (415) 426-3000.

–

JUUL Child Marketing References:

[1] Hearing, July 24, 2019, Testimony of Ms. Meredith Berkman (PAVe co-founder), at minutes 52:27 – 53:31 (https://youtu.be/m3iEMrAd83oExternal Link Disclaimer).

[2] Hearing, July 24, 2019, Testimony of Mr. Caleb Mintz (son of Ms. Meredith Berkman, PAVe co-founder), at minutes 1:18:50 – 1:19:11 (https://youtu.be/m3iEMrAd83oExternal Link Disclaimer).

[3] Hearing, July 24, 2019, Testimony of Mr. Phillip Fuhrman (son of Ms. Dorian Fuhrman, PAVe co-founder), at minutes 1:20:20 – 1:21:14 (https://youtu.be/m3iEMrAd83oExternal Link Disclaimer).

[4] Hearing, July 24, 2019, Testimony of Mr. Phillip Fuhrman, at minutes 1:21:45 – 1:22:02 (https://youtu.be/m3iEMrAd83oExternal Link Disclaimer).

‍