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E-Cigarettes and Teen Risks

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E-cigarettes and teen risks become more evident as teens, young adults, and even children are showing the danger signs of using these e-cigarettes in all their various forms. 

What are e-cigarettes?

An e-cigarette comes in many forms, but all have a battery that heats a liquid that turns into an aerosol containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals. Like regular cigarettes, users inhale everything that is in the device and also affect others with the aerosol, much like second-hand smoke.

Not only do they contain nicotine, they can also be filled with marijuana or other drugs. The aerosol flavoring may contain diacetyl, linked to serious lung disease. In addition, the aerosol may contain cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals – lead, nickel, tin – and ultrafine particles that can penetrate deeply into the lungs. E-cigarette aerosol is NOT harmless “water vapor.”

While packaging may claim there is no nicotine, that has proven wrong in many cases.

The many forms of e-cigarettes

While they began appearing somewhat larger than a traditional cigarette, they have morphed into a variety of shapes. JUUL is the top-selling e-cigarette and often appears as a USB flash drive. One JUUL pod has the equivalent of a 20-pack of cigarettes! Because of their easily hidden size, they are students’ favorite device. JUUL is not the only one with this USB design, however. Others include MarkTen Elite for nicotine, and PAX Era, which delivers marijuana.

Besides the USB form, e-cigarettes can look like pens, pipes, cigars, or even regular cigarettes. They have their own vocabulary as well, they may be called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” ‘vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).” No matter the name or clever packaging, they are unsafe.

Why is vaping unsafe?

Vaping is now linked to lung diseases in as many as 50 people in at least six states. No deaths are reported – yet – but several have been close calls. One of the most recent is a teen in Texas who contracted a lung disease after vaping. A New York doctor saw two cases this summer, including an athletic 18-year-old who almost died. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has encountered a number of severe lung problems in Texas young people recently.  These patients were e-cigarette users, so the agency is looking into possible causes within or in addition to the vaping. They issued an alert to health care providers and clinicians to watch for symptoms and gather information.

A partial list of reasons the vaping liquid, and the device itself, can be harmful:

  • Nicotine
    • Long-ranging studies have proven the harmful effects of nicotine. This is especially true for developing brains. These changes actually affect the way a brain functions in attention and impulse control. Like nicotine from regular cigarettes, e-cigarettes can increase addiction to nicotine and possibly lead to addiction to other, even more harmful, drugs.
  • Aerosol ingredients
    • Some flavorings may be safe to eat because they’re processed through digestion. Inhaling, however, is a different process and lungs are not geared for inhaling these chemical flavorings. Because of this, scientists believe lungs could be harmed.
  • Batteries
    • There have been a number of instances where defective batteries led to serious injuries through fires or explosions.
  • Health effects
    • Scientists still do not know the full effects of e-cigarettes over time, but studies to date indicate harmful effects are likely.

How to prevent or stop the use of e-cigarettes

In Texas, the legislature is considering raising the minimum age to purchase or consume tobacco products from 18 to 21. This would include all e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. The mission of this bill is to prevent future smokers since 95 percent of smokers start before the age of 21.

While vaping devices appeared to some people as an innocent way to avoid the dangers of cigarette smoking, it is now known that it may actually introduce young people to smoking and may have the same unhealthful effects – or even more – as scientists investigate the repercussions on these youthful users.

The CDC has a number of suggestions that parents can use for having a discussion with your teen, including this Tip Sheet. An ongoing conversation can make a difference. While it may not be well-received, stopping an e-cigarette user before they’re addicted is worth the persistence.

Monoliths Added to 9/11 Memorial and Museum Honoring First Responders

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A new installation at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is called “The Glade” and includes six monoliths honoring first responders. These monoliths symbolize strength and determination through adversity. Some of these granite monoliths weigh up to 17 tons; all pointing upward along a path through “The Glade”.

The Glade honoring first responders

Alice Greenwald, president and CEO of the memorial and museum stated, “‘The Glade’ would also, when completed, be a tribute to the incredible selflessness, determination and commitment of everyone who worked on the recovery here at what was ground zero.”

Many still suffering after 18 years

The museum, located in lower Manhattan, is in “an area of the 9/11 Memorial that is being created to recognize and honor everyone who is now, 18 years after the attack, still living with the consequences of 9/11 – day in and day out,” according to Greenwald.

World Trade Center Health Program

This program was established to provide “medical monitoring and treatment for responders to the September 11th, terrorist attacks at the WTC and related sites in New York City, Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA and survivors who were in the New York City disaster area. The WTC Health Program provides treatment for many health conditions aggravated by, contributed to, or caused by an individual’s 9/11 exposures, including aerodigestive disorders, musculoskeletal conditions, cancers, and mental health conditions.”

These affected people – an estimated 400,000 – were exposed to myriad chemicals and other toxic substances through the dust cloud and in the recovery months after the disaster. Many health consequences may not be discovered until years in the future, such as asbestos-related mesothelioma and lung cancer. This is the reason the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act established the WTC Health Program in 2011.

Health consequences today

“The Glade” project was announced in 2017. At that time, over 77,000 responders and survivors of 9/11 participated in the WTC Health Program. Of those, more than 39,000 already had one or more conditions related to 9/11, and 6,000 plus had a related cancer.

“The Glade” represents to these thousands of victims that their struggle is acknowledged and our country cares for each one of them. Dedication of “The Glade” is planned for May 30, 2019.

Claire’s Finally Pulled Their Products Containing Asbestos

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Claire’s finally pulled their products containing asbestos when the FDA affirmed the presence of asbestos after testing in 2017 and 2018. Though the removal was voluntary, it occurred only after the FDA issued a warning against the three contaminated products. Since the FDA does not have jurisdiction, they believed this was warranted since Claire’s initially “refused to comply with the FDA’s request, and the agency does not have authority to mandate a recall.” Claire’s steadfastly refuted the FDA’s findings, asserting “the products were “extensively tested by multiple independent accredited laboratories” and “all products were found to be compliant with all relevant cosmetic safety regulations.”

Meanwhile, Frank Pallone, Jr, Energy and Commerce Chairman, stated, “Examples like Claire’s’ refusal to voluntarily recall their asbestos-tainted products demonstrates the need to modernize the current regulatory framework for cosmetic and personal care products to ensure that the FDA can act to protect consumers when industry fails to do so.”

Claire’s finally pulled their products

Claire’s sold the affected products between October 2016 and March 2019. While they are no longer in the stores, some households possibly continue to harbor the three products pinpointed. To check your home, the products are:

• Claire’s Eyeshadows, UPC #888711847165, SKU #84716, Lot No. 08/17
• Claire’s Compact Powder, UPC #888711839153, SKU #83915, Lot No. 07/15
• Claire’s Contour Palette, UPC #888711401947, SKU #40194, Lot No. 04/17

The identifying numbers are found on the price stickers on the product. Batch numbers are found beneath the ingredient lists on the back panels.

The original products pulled from stores in December of 2017 were Ultimate Mega Make Up Set, Metallic Hot Pink Glitter 48-Piece Makeup Set, Bedazzled Rainbow Heart Makeup Set, Rainbow Bedazzled Star Make Up Set, Rainbow Glitter Heart Shaped Makeup Set, Mint Glitter Make Up Set, Rainbow Bedazzled Rectangle Make Up Set, and Pink Glitter Palette with Eyeshadow & Lip Gloss. Again, if these still remain in your home, dispose of them or return the item to the Claire’s store.

For more information

If you want more information, contact Claire’s at 800-252-4737, option 2, from 9:30 AM – 7 PM EDT.

FDA Affirms Asbestos Found in Cosmetics Targeting Teens

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Asbestos found in cosmetics targeting teens and preteens continues to be a problem in a statement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week. This affirmation is the result of testing performed by U.S. PIRG, a consumer advocate group, in both 2017 and 2018. These three branded cosmetic products from Claire’s and one sold by Justice, were among those tested in 2017 and again in 2018. The Claire’s products tested positive for tremolite asbestos in 2018 as did the Justice product.

Why is asbestos found in cosmetics harmful?

After years and decades of testing, it is proven than there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos that is in solid form, such as shingles, left untouched is a potential danger, but asbestos that is loose, as found in powders and other cosmetics, is definitely dangerous. These products are easily inhaled or ingested which can lead to lung cancer and even mesothelioma – a deadly disease. In addition, these products targeted young girls, still growing and developing.

Claire’s rebuttal

In all testing, Claire’s contends there is no danger and that the U.S. PIRG report is faulty and misleading. In their independent testing, no asbestos fibers were found, however they have not disclosed their testing methodologies or results.

Claire’s spokeswoman, Melanie Berry said in a statement, “The FDA test reports have mis-characterized fibers in the products as asbestos, in direct contradiction to established EPA and USP criterion for classifying asbestos fibers.” “Despite our efforts to discuss these issues with the FDA, they insisted on moving forward with their release. We are disappointed that the FDA has taken this step, and we will continue to work with them to demonstrate the safety of our products.”

Claire’s filed for bankruptcy in the US in March 2018 and came out of it in October of 2018

FDA response

“Our lab is accredited by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology NVLAP program. The FDA used a lab on this accredited list for their cosmetics testing for asbestos (AMA Analytical Services) as well as another lab on the list, STAT Analysis Corporation.”

Why are cosmetic companies allowed to sell these products?

The FDA cannot force a company to remove asbestos-laden products because there are no laws requiring testing cosmetic products for safety. “The FDA is today announcing the results of these tests. Those tests confirmed the presence of asbestos in three of the product samples collected from Claire’s and one of the product samples collected from Justice. All suspect Justice products, including the one testing positive for asbestos, were previously recalled from the market in 2017. The FDA issued a Safety Alert today warning consumers to discontinue use of three Claire’s products: Claire’s Eye Shadows – Batch No/Lot No: 08/17; Claire’s Compact Powder – Batch No/Lot No: 07/15; and, Claire’s Contour Palette – Batch No/Lot No: 04/17 because they tested positive for asbestos.

In an FDA press release published on March 5, 2019, the following statement was made, “The FDA requested that Claire’s recall the products because they should not be used by consumers. Claire’s has refused to comply with the FDA’s request, and the agency does not have authority to mandate a recall. The FDA is therefore warning consumers not to use these products and will continue to communicate our safety concerns about them.“

Until laws requiring testing are enacted, the FDA requests cosmetic firms to take voluntary measures to register in the FDA’s Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP.) The FDA also asks manufacturers to voluntarily report any negative effects involving cosmetic products.

While the FDA was told there are no more asbestos-tainted products in the Claire’s stores, they caution anyone who has them in their homes should stop using them.

Ben DuBose Named 2019 President of the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association

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February 27, 2019
Dallas, Texas

Trial lawyer, Ben DuBose, took office in January as the 2019 president of the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association.

Founded in 1963, the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association is a volunteer body of Dallas area trial attorneys. DTLA’s mission: empowering and supporting Dallas trial lawyers in achieving justice for those who have been harmed. For more information about DTLA, visit www.dallastriallaywersassociation.org

“The Dallas Trial Lawyers Association is the only Dallas area bar association devoted exclusively to supporting Dallas trial lawyers. I’ve been a DTLA member my entire career, having served on the Board of Directors and as a chair of the diversity committee in more recent years,” says DuBose. “DTLA helps lawyers who help people. Critical to that is supporting and protecting one of our fundamental rights as Americans – the right to trial by jury.”

DTLA members enjoy up to 7 hours annually of continuing legal education (CLE) at monthly luncheons. This year, DTLA also offers 3 hours of free CLE breakfasts sponsored by the association’s mentorship committee. Several social events are also held throughout the year for association members. During 2019, DTLA will also continue to build on recent joint projects with other local bar organizations including the Dallas Bar Association, the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association, J.L. Turner Association and the Dallas Women Lawyers Association.

Mr. DuBose has 23 years of experience representing asbestos, personal injury and wrongful death victims as well as individuals in employment matters. DuBose Law Firm, PLLC enters its second decade with offices in Dallas at the historic Adelfa B. Callejo Building and New Orleans.

Media Contact:
Jane Zavala
jzavala@duboselawfirm.com
(214)389-8199

Sponsored by Attorney Ben K. DuBose licensed in TX, OK, & PA

DuBose Law Firm, PLLC
Principal office:
4310 N. Central Expressway
Dallas, TX 75206
(214)389-8199