E-cigarette manufacturers hoping to stay on the market must submit a premarket tobacco product application to the FDA as part of the agency's evolving regulation of the vaping industry.
Kenzo Tribouillard/Getty ImagesIn recent months, more than 2,500 people have ended up in the hospital due to severe lung illnesses and other health problems after vaping -- and at least 54 people have died. It's clear we're just starting to understand the dangers of vaping.
E-cigarettes hit the US market about a decade ago, touted as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco cigarettes. However, they didn't really gain traction until 2015, when Juul Labs (then part of Pax Labs) debuted its discreet USB-size vaporizer and quickly became the industry leader.
The result was a spike in vaping, especially among teens and young adults, a segment of the population that, until then, had been using fewer tobacco products, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration finalized a rule extending its authority to regulate all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, the repercussions of which are still playing out today.
At the same time, marijuana vaping rapidly gained in popularity -- in both legal and illegal forms.
Below, we go through what's happened over the past year as health officials and the vaping industry try to adapt within this quickly changing regulatory landscape.
Jan. 24, 2020 -- 10 California school districts sue Juul
The latest unified school districts to sue vaping giant Juul are from all across California, including Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego, Glendale, Compton, Davis, Chico, King City, Campbell and Ceres.
"It's inspiring to see school districts across California stand shoulder-to-shoulder to take on Juul, the schoolyard bully that preys on our kids and puts the health and academic success of all students at risk," the school districts' attorneys said in a press release.
Vaping-related deaths are up to 60 as of Jan. 14.
Dec. 31, 2019 -- FDA will reportedly ban flavored products, but only for cartridge-based vapes
The US Food and Drug Administration will ban the sale of flavored cartridge-based vaping products, but not tank vaping systems, according to a Tuesday report by Dow Jones citing unnamed sources. This compromise is to balance the increase in teen vaping with the "impact on small businesses and the possible political fallout for President Trump," the report said. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Dec. 20, 2019 -- CDC "confident" vitamin E acetate linked to lung illness
The CDC said that the number of people visiting emergency rooms for lung injuries is declining, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune. Health officials say they're "confident" that vitamin E acetate in black-market marijuana products is strongly linked to the illnesses.
Dec. 19, 2019 -- Death toll hits 54
The CDC has updated its vaping-related injury and death statistics, announcing that the death toll has climbed to 54 people as of Dec. 17. Deaths have been recorded in the District of Columbia and in 27 states.
There have now been 2,506 cases of hospitalized vaping-related lung damage. The CDC has a map showing where these cases are occurring in the states.
Dec. 18, 2019 -- Facebook, Instagram ban influencers from promoting vaping
Social media sites Instagram and Facebook have restricted influencers from promoting certain branded content. It's a limitation on a practice in which brands in turn promote influencer posts, widening the reach of those posts beyond an influencer's follower list. Restricted brand content now includes vaping, tobacco products and weapons.
Dec. 17, 2019 -- Five San Francisco Bay Area school districts sue Juul
Five Bay Area school districts -- San Francisco Unified School District, San Mateo-Foster City School District, Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District, Jefferson County Public Schools and Cabrillo Unified School District -- all filed complaints against Juul in the District Court, Northern District of California, on Dec. 17.
The San Francisco Unified complaint alleges Juul and its part owner, Marlboro cigarette maker Altria, have joint interests in "creating a new generation of addicts." Juul's sleek design and fruity flavors were meant to appeal to children, it alleges. "The mint-flavored e-cigarette pods are the most popular flavor for high school users," the complaint says. It's filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, category.
A Juul spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the company is "focused on resetting the vapor category in the US," adding it has ceased selling its mint-flavored pods. "Our customer base is the world's 1 billion adult smokers, and we do not intend to attract underage users," the spokesperson said. "To the extent these cases allege otherwise, they are without merit."
Another singular person from San Francisco County also filed a lawsuit on the same day, suing for personal injury. "Countless lives have been horribly and irreparably impacted by nicotine use and addiction," that complaint, Lovaasen v Juul Labs, says. "And if you could addict a 14-year-old to smoking, you gained a customer for decades, if they lived that long ... taking a page from big tobacco's playbook, Juul, in concert with its advertising agencies and others, developed a product and marketing strategy that sought to portray its e-cigarette products as trend-setting, stylish and used by the type of people teenagers look up to."
Dec. 12, 2019 -- Illinois AG sues Juul as vaping death toll hits 52
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a lawsuit against Juul Labs on Thursday, alleging the company intentionally marketed its products to minors. The lawsuit also said Juul "misrepresented the potency of nicotine in its products and misrepresented Juul's products as smoking cessation devices."
"This lawsuit is part of a comprehensive approach to addressing a public health epidemic, particularly one impacting young people," Raoul said.
The CDC on Thursday also updated its vaping-related injury and death stats, announcing the death toll has climbed to 52 people as of Dec. 10. Deaths have been recorded across 26 states. There have been 2,409 cases of hospitalized vaping-related lung damage.
Dec. 5, 2019 -- Death toll climbs to 48
After a two-week break for Thanksgiving, the CDC on Thursday announced the vaping-related death toll has reached 48 people as of Dec. 4. Deaths have been recorded across 25 states and in the District of Columbia.
The CDC also reported that there have been 2,291 cases of vaping-related lung damage -- but it noted it has removed non-hospitalized cases from its previous numbers. These EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury) cases are now across all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and two US territories, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Dec. 4, 2019 -- Minnesota attorney general sues Juul
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is the latest state AG to announce a lawsuit against Juul Labs, claiming the vaping giant for harming minors. "My job as AG is to protect Minnesotans from fraudulent & deceptive practices and to protect their health," he tweeted on Dec. 4. "I'm announcing today with all these folks that the State is suing Juul for creating a public nuisance, violating consumer-laws, and harming youth with deceptive marketing."
Nov. 22, 2019 -- Trump holds vaping roundtable at the White House as death toll reaches 47
President Donald Trump on Friday hosted a roundtable at the White House on vaping, with the discussion focused on whether menthol should be banned along with other flavors.
It comes as another five deaths were reported in the last week. As of Nov. 20, the CDC says 47 deaths have now been confirmed in 25 states and the District of Columbia. The CDC also reported that there have been 2,290 cases of vaping-related lung damage. These EVALI cases have occurred in every state except Alaska. Cases have also been reported in the District of Columbia and two US territories, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
Nov. 19, 2019 -- NY attorney general sues Juul Labs
New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Juul Labs on Nov. 19, accusing the company of using deceptive marketing practices that targeted minors and misleading consumers about the safety of its products. James said the e-cigarette maker has put countless New Yorkers at risk by glamorizing vaping and that its "aggressive advertising has significantly contributed to the public health crisis."
Juul spokesman Austin Finan said the company hasn't yet reviewed the complaint, but added that Juul remains committed to working with attorneys general, regulators and public health officials to combat underage vaping and convert adult smokers from traditional cigarettes.
"As part of that process, we recently stopped accepting orders for our Mint JUULpods in the US, suspended all broadcast, print, and digital product advertising in the US and are investing in scientific research to ensure the quality of our FDA Premarket Tobacco Product Application and expanding our commitment to develop new technology to reduce youth use," Finan said in an emailed statement. "Our customer base is the world's 1 billion adult smokers and we do not intend to attract underage users."
Nov. 18, 2019 -- Vaping death toll rises to 42; Trump reportedly backs down on flavored vapes ban; White House says it's "an ongoing rulemaking process"
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 42 deaths have now been confirmed in 24 states and the District of Columbia as of Nov. 13. The CDC also reported that there have been 2,172 cases of vaping-related lung damage, or EVALI.
Trump has reportedly backed down from a ban on flavored vaping products. According to The New York Times, Trump "resisted moving forward" with the ban due to "potential pushback from his supporters."
"President Trump and this administration are committed to responsibly protecting the health of children," Judd Deere, a spokesperson for the White House, told CNET in an emailed statement. "At this time, we are in an ongoing rulemaking process, and I will not speculate on the final outcome."
Nov. 13, 2019 -- Teen with lung injury gets double-lung transplant
A 17-year-old boy received a double-lung transplant last month after damage caused by vaping left his lungs scarred, stiffened and pocked with dead spots, according to a report from The New York Times. Dr. Hassan Nemeh, the lead surgeon on the team at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, told the Times that the young man would've faced certain death without the surgery. The Times' report said that the CT scans of the patient's lungs looked like his chest was empty prior to the transplant. Normal lungs appear dark on CT imaging because they're full of air. The scan reportedly didn't pick up an image because there was no air in the lungs.
Nov. 8, 2019 -- CDC says vitamin E acetate could be the cause of lung illnesses; Washington DOH calls on processors to stop adding vitamin E acetate to vaping products
Federal health officials reported that tests conducted on the lung fluid of 29 sick patients revealed the presence of vitamin E acetate. Vitamin E acetate is an additive in some THC-containing products. The announcement doesn't officially rule out that other possible ingredients may be causing the lung injuries, but a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said no other potential toxins were detected in its tests. The CDC says it continues to recommend that people not use e-cigarettes, or vaping, products that contain THC.
Washington state's Department of Health and its Liquor and Cannabis Board called on all cannabis processing companies to "immediately stop adding vitamin E acetate to vapor products and distributing any vapor products containing vitamin E acetate."
"DOH and LCB are also asking cannabis retailers to immediately stop selling cannabis-containing vapor products known to contain vitamin E acetate," they added. "All products available for retail sale are required to have documentation available that lists ingredients."
Nov. 7, 2019 -- Deaths reach 39; Juul stops selling mint-flavored vapes; biometric lawsuit reportedly leveled at Juul
The CDC says 39 deaths have now been confirmed in 24 states and the District of Columbia as of Nov. 5, and 2,051 cases of EVALI. Three deaths each have occurred in the states of California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota; two each in Kansas, Massachusetts, Oregon and Tennessee; and one death in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah and Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.
Juul has also halted sales of its mint-flavored vaping products in response to results from the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey and Monitoring the Future survey. "These results are unacceptable and that is why we must reset the vapor category in the US and ... combat underage use," Juul Labs CEO K.C. Crosthwaite said Thursday. "We will support the upcoming FDA flavor policy and will follow the PMTA process."
The mint products had accounted for around 70% of all sales, according to a report by CNBC. In the US, the flavors Juul now sells are Virginia Tobacco, Classic Tobacco and Menthol.
Juul is also reportedly facing a Biometric Information Privacy Act lawsuit alleging it used face-matching technology without consent by comparing real-time photos of its users to government IDs before allowing them to purchase products online.
"When a customer uploads a photograph and ID, he or she is enrolled in Juul's facial recognition database(s) using the provided photo, from which Juul uses third-party facial recognition software to create a scan of his or her facial geometry to match the provided ID," the reported complaint alleges.
The lawsuit alleges Juul does not properly inform customers of the collection, storage and use of their facial data; has not publicly published its guidelines for permanently destroying the data; doesn't have consent from users to disclose their facial geometry to third parties; and does not have a written release from customers.
Nov. 1, 2019 -- China bans the online sale of e-cigarettes; Trump administration reportedly considers ban on flavored vapes
China has reportedly banned the online sale of e-cigarettes amid the growing number of deaths attributed to a mysterious lung disease linked to vaping. A statement by China's State Tobacco Monopoly Administration and State Administration for Market Regulation, spotted by Bloomberg, said all websites and apps selling e-cigarettes should be shut down. In addition, all online marketing campaigns must halt.
Trump's administration is also reportedly considering a ban of flavored vaping products. Only tobacco and menthol flavors would be spared because they are less appealing to minors, according to an Axios report Friday, which said Trump was briefed Thursday by senior health officials.
Trump could make an announcement next week, Axios said, citing unnamed sources. It added that the FDA is also expected to issue guidance next week. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, while the FDA said it had nothing more to add.
Oct. 31, 2019 -- Death toll rises to 37; the youngest deceased patient was 17, CDC says
In the span of a week, another three people have died of vaping-related illnesses, the CDC has said. As of Oct. 29, the deaths are across 24 states. The median age of deceased patients is 53, but the youngest was 17 years old, the CDC said. More deaths are also under investigation.
There have been 1,888 cases of EVALI, the CDC said. The median age of patients is 24, but the youngest is just 13, and 70% of patients are male.
Oct. 29, 2019 -- Lawsuit alleges Juul shipped at least a million contaminated e-cigarette pods
Juul is reportedly facing a lawsuit from a former employee who alleges the company shipped at least 1 million contaminated e-cigarette pods earlier this year, but declined to tell customers or issue a recall.
Juul denies the allegations. In an emailed statement on Oct. 30, a Juul Labs spokesperson said that the safety issues raised in the lawsuit are "meritless" and that the company has "already investigated the underlying manufacturing issue and determined the product met all applicable specifications."
Oct. 28, 2019 -- Juul reportedly laying off 500 as vaping deaths rise to 34
Juul will be cutting 500 jobs by the end of the year, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal, citing sources. The news comes as the CDC says there have been 34 deaths and 1,604 lung injury cases as of Oct. 22.
Oct. 17, 2019 -- Deaths reach 33, THC blamed for majority of cases
The CDC announced on Oct. 17 that as of Oct. 15, there have been 33 deaths across 24 states in the US. There have been 1,479 lung injury cases, involving every state except Alaska, as well as in the District of Columbia and one US territory.
The majority of the illnesses have been linked to vaping products containing THC, especially those bought off the street or from illicit dealers.
Speaking to a House Appropriations subcommittee on Oct. 16, a CDC official said the illness is "fatal or potentially fatal, with half the cases requiring intensive care," CNBC reported. EVALI is also getting worse as flu season hits, the report quoted CDC Principal Deputy Director Anne Schuchat as saying.
Oct. 9, 2019 -- Washington state reportedly bans sale of flavored vapes
The Washington state Board of Health has reportedly voted to temporarily ban the sale of nicotine- and THC-flavored vaping products two weeks after Gov. Jay Inslee asked for the emergency rule in an executive order. The board voted unanimously, Q13Fox reported, and the ban will go into effect this week and last four months.
The Washington Department of Health didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Oct. 7, 2019 -- Massachusetts reports its first vaping related death; nationwide deaths reach 18
Massachusetts health officials reported that a 60-year-old woman who vaped nicotine has died. This is the first vaping related death in the state, according to The Boston Globe. The Department of Public Health is still investigating what products she used and where they came from. The woman's identity wasn't disclosed to the public.
As of Oct. 1, the CDC is reporting 18 deaths across 15 states.
Sept. 27, 2019 -- San Joaquin County DA launches investigation into Juul; FDA commissioner tweets about vaping investigation
Tori Verber Salazar, district attorney of San Joaquin County near the San Francisco Bay Area, told CNET her office has launched an investigation into vaping giant Juul because "too many minors are using" the company's products. One in four high school students are now vaping, she said, mentioning one minor who's in a coma with "the lungs of a 70-year-old man."
Juul marketed to youths through its colorful ads and fun flavors like bubble gum, Verber Salazar said. The company was "built on the heart and lungs and brain and damage" it's caused to the youth population with its highly addictive narcotic products, she added. Calling Juul's actions "organized criminal behavior," she said the DA's office is going to look into both civil and criminal actions against the company, including a potential class action lawsuit.
Juul shares Verber Salazar's "concerns about youth vaping," a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement Friday afternoon. "We welcome the opportunity to cooperate and share information about our commitment to eliminate combustible cigarettes and our aggressive, industry leading actions to combat youth usage," the spokesperson added, pointing to Juul's shutdown of its social media accounts and cease-sale on flavored pods.
Also speaking Friday, Commissioner Ned Sharpless of the US Food and Drug Administration tweeted that the vaping investigation "is top priority" for the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local health organizations. "We're working to identify what's making people ill & follow the supply chain to the source," Sharpless tweeted. "FDA's prepared to use the full extent of our authorities based on what facts emerge."
According to the CDC's latest update on its investigation into vaping lung injuries, "THC products play a role in the outbreak." The CDC's national report found that of 514 patients surveyed, 77% had used products that contained THC, 36% had used exclusively THC vapes, and 16% had used nicotine-only vapes.
Sept. 26, 2019 -- Vaping lung cases reach 805 with at least 12 known deaths, CDC says
According to the latest information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of cases of the mysterious lung illness attributed to vaping has soared 52% over the last week, bringing the total number of cases to 805, CNBC reported. To date, 12 people have died and patients have been found in 46 states.
The deaths include two in California, two in Kansas and one each in Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi and Oregon. The median age of patients is 23 years old, and two thirds of patients are male.
Sept. 25, 2019 -- Juul CEO steps down as vaping company ceases all US advertising
Kevin Burns, who co-founded Juul, will be replaced by K.C. Crosthwaite, an executive for tobacco company Altria. Juul also said it would suspend all broadcast, print and digital advertising in the US and promised to "refraining from lobbying" the Trump administration on its proposal to ban flavored e-cigarettes.
Sept. 24, 2019 -- California warns of "sudden lung damage"
The California Department of Public Health released a health advisory that warns citizens of the "imminent public health risks posed by vaping any product." It said it's received reports of 90 people in California with a history of vaping being hospitalized "for severe breathing problems and lung damage" since June.
Two people have died in California, the state's public health department said. The advisory added that everyone should stop vaping "no matter the substance or source." If people continue vaping, they should never modify a vaping product, or buy one off the street, it said.
Vaping appears to be causing "sudden lung damage," the health department said. Symptoms that could be linked to vaping include coughing, chest pain, difficulty getting your breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever and weight loss.
Teens and young adults make up almost half of those hospitalized with breathing problems from vaping, according to the health department. And 30% of the people hospitalized in California had to be treated with a mechanical ventilator -- in other words, they were put on life support -- in the intensive care unit.
Sept. 20, 2019 -- Walmart discontinues the sale of e-cigarettes
Citing "regulatory complexity" and "uncertainty" around e-cigarettes, Walmart said it'll stop selling the products, according to a new report from CNBC. Earlier this year, the company raised the required age to buy tobacco products to 21 and discontinued the sale of fruit and dessert nicotine flavors.
The University of California, San Francisco, was ahead of the curve. It's been a smoke- and tobacco-free campus since Aug. 1, 2017.
Getty ImagesSept. 19, 2019 -- Vaping criminal probe announced by FDA as illnesses rise to 530
Health officials from the Centers for Disease Control said that the number of cases of vaping-related lung illnesses has risen to 530 across 38 states. As reported by The Washington Post, the Food and Drug Administration revealed a criminal investigation into the outbreak. Seven people have died from the illness so far. The FDA has collected more than 150 samples from patients across the country and are now analyzing them for the presence of cutting agents and other substances.
Sept. 16, 2019 -- Three confirmed cases of severe lung disease related to vaping in Washington
The Washington State Department of Health confirmed two new cases of severe pulmonary disease related to vaping, bringing the total number of confirmed cases statewide to three. Of the two new cases, one patient is in their teens, and the other is in their 20s. All three confirmed cases reported vaping prior to the onset of their illness, but the department has not yet identified a common product, device or additive among the three, though investigations are ongoing.
"The symptoms of these patients match what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have asked all state and local health jurisdictions to be on the lookout for in regards to the nationwide investigation into this matter," Washington State Health Officer Kathy Lofy said in a press release. "This is now a state-wide outbreak."
Sept. 12, 2019 -- Photos emerge revealing severe lung damage, Juul continues ads despite FDA warning
A collection of photos obtained by Business Insider from doctors and researchers illustrate what are believed to be the severe effects of vaping-related lung damage. The images include those of a California teen who underwent surgery to remove a blister that collapsed his lung after he used a cannabis vape he bought at a concert. Other photos illustrate patterns noted by researchers, including inflammation, damage to the alveoli (or the lungs' air sacs), and particles of fat in lung tissues. The surgeons quoted in the article said they couldn't confirm that the injuries and illnesses were definitely caused by vaping.
Despite a warning letter from the US Food and Drug Administration last week, a Juul spokesman told CNBC the company will continue to run its "Make the Switch" ad campaign, which positions vaping as a safer alternative to cigarettes. The company is required to obtain FDA approval before asserting that a product is safer than cigarettes but hasn't submitted an application for such approval, CNBC said.
Sept. 9, 2019 -- FDA calls out Juul for claiming vaping is safer than other tobacco products
The FDA has raised more concerns about Juul over some questionable marketing that suggested that Juul's vaporizer is safer than other tobacco products. What's worse, high school students testified before Congress claiming that a company rep told them that Juul is "totally safe."
Sept. 6, 2019 -- Two more deaths and CDC warning
Health officials in Minnesota confirmed that a 65-year-old person died in August after a long hospitalization from severe lung injury. The person had a history of underlying lung disease, but the lung injury was associated with vaping illicit THC products. (THC is the component in marijuana that gets people high.) The lung injury progressed to other conditions, ABC 5 reported on Friday. The Minnesota Department of Health told the station that the state has had 17 patients to date who've been classified as confirmed or possible cases. An additional 15 cases are under investigation.
The first death in Los Angeles county related to vaping was also reported the same day by ABC 7. The county has reported 12 cases "of vaping-associated pulmonary injury" to date, according to its Department of Public Health.
The CDC also released a statement about its investigations and said no single product is linked to all cases of lung disease. Many of the patients reported recent use of products containing THC while some reported using products with both THC and nicotine. A smaller group said they used nicotine only.
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin tweeted a letter to Ned Sharpless, acting commissioner for the US Food and Drug Administration, demanding action. Durbin said the FDA should send letters to all schools in America warning them of health consequences related to vaping. He also called on the agency to ban e-cigarette flavors other than tobacco and ban e-cigarette devices that haven't been approved by the FDA.
"If Dr. Sharpless doesn't take action in the next 10 days, I plan to call for his resignation. Enough is enough," Durbin tweeted.
The vaping epidemic has now reached the point where multiple people have died and over 450 have been hospitalized, but @FDACommissioner is sitting on his hands. If Dr. Sharpless doesn’t take action in the next 10 days, I plan to call for his resignation. Enough is enough. pic.twitter.com/6yXbu3TxSn
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) September 6, 2019
Sept. 5, 2019 -- Indiana reports vaping-related death
A third life was claimed by severe lung injury related to vaping, The Wall Street Journal confirmed. After news of the individual's death, federal health authorities urged people to stop using e-cigarette products while they investigate about 450 cases of the mysterious illness in 33 states.
Sept. 4, 2019 -- A second vaping-related death
Severe lung disease linked to vaping took another life, according to The New York Times. The unidentified person was hospitalized after vaping THC using a product bought at an Oregon recreational marijuana shop, the Times said. The patient was "otherwise healthy and quickly became very ill," a public health physician and lead investigator in the case told the paper.
Aug. 30, 2019 -- CDC: Don't buy vaping products off the street, and don't modify them
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "took the unusual step" of issuing recommendations regarding vaping and e-cigarette products, The New York Times reported. The CDC's vaping recommendations cover the general public, clinicians and public health officials. Among the advice for the public: "Anyone who uses e-cigarette products should not buy these products off the street (e.g., e-cigarette products with THC, other cannabinoids) and should not modify e-cigarette products or add any substances to these products that are not intended by the manufacturer." The CDC also said, as it had done previously, that "e-cigarette products should not be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, as well as adults who do not currently use tobacco products."
Aug. 29, 2019 -- FTC launches an investigation into Juul's marketing practices
The Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into whether Juul practiced deceptive marketing, including targeting minors and may seek monetary damages, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal.
Aug. 28, 2019 -- Juul CEO says respiratory illness cases are 'worrisome'
Juul CEO Kevin Burns calls the recent string of lung illnesses potentially linked to vaping "worrisome" and urges nonsmokers to avoid using Juul. "If there was any indication that there was an adverse health condition related to our product, I think we'd take very swift action," Burns said in a CBS This Morning interview.
Aug. 23, 2019 -- Illinois reports a patient dying after vaping
The Illinois Department of Public Health said a person who had "recently vaped and was hospitalized with severe respiratory illness" had died. The death may be the first tied to vaping in the US, according to the Associated Press.
Juul Labs was founded by former smokers with the goal of eliminating cigarettes, according to the company's mission statement.
Truthinitiative.orgAug. 20, 2019 -- Juul Labs leaves Vapor Technology Association
Six days after the VTA issued a lawsuit against the FDA, Juul Labs announces that it won't renew its membership to the industry group, citing differences on "critical policy issues."
Aug. 19, 2019 -- Health officials report more than 150 people have been hospitalized
State and federal health officials report that 153 people -- many of them young adults -- across 16 states have been treated for respiratory issues that occurred after vaping.
Aug. 19, 2019 -- Juul Labs sued over marketing practices
A 19-year-old Juul user sues the company for targeting minors and using deceptive marketing practices, saying the practices led to his nicotine addiction. The lawsuit also names tobacco giant Philip Morris and its parent company Altria, a Juul investor.
Aug. 17, 2019 -- CDC opens probe into vaping-related lung disease
State and federal health officials team up to explore whether e-cigarettes caused severe pulmonary issues in 153 people (and counting).
The CDC says "e-cigarette products should not be used by youth, young adults, pregnant women, as well as adults who do not currently use tobacco products."
John Keeble/Getty ImagesAug. 16, 2019 -- Investors still bullish on Juul Labs
Juul Labs raised another $325 million from investors, despite growing health and legal concerns, according to regulatory filings.
Aug. 14, 2019 -- Vaping industry group sues FDA
The Vapor Technology Association, which represents hundreds of vaping companies, files suit against the FDA to delay regulators' review of the e-cigarettes currently on the market.
Aug. 7, 2019 -- FDA says it's received 127 reports of vaping-related seizures
FDA releases a statement saying it's now received a total of 127 reports of seizure or other neurological symptoms, such as fainting or tremors, that occurred after vaping between 2010 and 2019.
July 26, 2019 -- WHO issues global tobacco epidemic report
In a report, the World Health Organization calls for more research and regulation of e-cigarettes and specifically names Juul as one of the new industry players that "continue to subvert tobacco control."
In early September, the CDC released a statement about its investigations and said no single product is linked to all cases of lung disease.
Europa Press NewsJuly 24, 2019 -- Facebook, Instagram restrict e-cigarette content
Facebook issues a new policy that will restrict sales of and limit content related to alcohol and tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, across Facebook and Instagram.
July 23, 2019 -- FDA launches anti-vaping ads to combat teen vaping
The FDA launches new anti-vaping commercials as part of The Real Cost, the agency's nearly $60 million smoking prevention campaign. In the TV ads, a street magician uses tricks to educate teens on the risks of using e-cigarettes.
July 12, 2019 -- E-cigarette marketing application submission deadline set
A US District Court judge in Maryland gave e-cigarette companies until May 12, 2020, to submit premarket tobacco applications to the FDA for approval.
June 25, 2019 -- San Francisco bans e-cigarettes
San Francisco, home to Juul's headquarters, becomes the first city in the US to ban the sale of e-cigarettes.
April 3, 2019 -- FDA announces investigation into potential link between seizures and vaping
The FDA notifies the public that it has received reports of people experiencing a seizure following the use of e-cigarettes.
March 27, 2019 -- Health experts sue FDA over delay of e-cigarette review
Seven public health and medical groups and several pediatricians file suit against the FDA for not following proper requirements when the agency gave e-cigarette companies more time to submit their products for review.
March 13, 2019 -- FDA restricts sale of flavored tobacco products
FDA issues new guidelines restricting the sale of most flavored tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, at convenience stores, gas stations and pharmacies. The FDA also asks that all e-cigarette manufacturers submit applications showing their products meet current regulations by Aug. 8, 2021.
Nov. 18, 2018 -- Juul Labs shuts down social media accounts
After the FDA expresses concern that Juul is luring in underage users, the company shuts down Facebook and Instagram accounts, and limits its Twitter presence to "non-promotional communications only."
Sept. 31, 2018 -- FDA inspectors seize documents from Juul Labs HQ
The FDA conducted an unannounced inspection of Juul Labs' San Francisco headquarters, seeking more information about the company's sales and marketing practices. Inspectors collected "over a thousand pages of documents," according to the agency.
Sept. 12, 2018 -- FDA calls teen vaping an "epidemic"
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the FDA commissioner at the time, issues a statement calling teen vaping an "epidemic" and urges the e-cigarette industry to address the problem or risk having their flavored products pulled from the market.
Originally published Aug. 23 and updated as new developments occur.
CNET's Alison DeNisco Rayome, Rae Hodge and Sean Keane contributed to this report.
Note: The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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