New York Sues 13 Big Vape Companies for ‘Vaping Epidemic’

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a landmark lawsuit against 13 major e-cigarette manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for their role in fueling the youth vaping epidemic. The companies, including popular brands such as Puff Bar and Elf Bar, are accused of illegally marketing and selling flavored disposable vapes to minors.

An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that these companies use deceptive tactics to target underage consumers, including candy and fruit flavors, bright packaging, social media campaigns, and unproven safety claims. Despite knowing the health risks and legal restrictions, the companies have continued to violate federal and state laws designed to curb youth vaping.

Attorney General James is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in damages, penalties, and restitution, as well as a permanent ban on selling flavored vapes in New York. The lawsuit aims to hold the vaping industry accountable for the harm caused to young people and recover revenue earned from illegal activity.

“The vaping industry is taking a page out of Big Tobacco’s playbook: they’re making nicotine seem cool, getting kids hooked, and creating a massive public health crisis in the process,” said Attorney General James.

The rise in youth vaping has reversed years of progress in reducing tobacco and nicotine use among adolescents. According to the New York State Department of Health, e-cigarette use among high school students has skyrocketed over the past decade, with flavored vapes being the most commonly used tobacco product among youth.

Vaping poses severe health risks, including nicotine addiction, respiratory issues, cognitive impairments, and increased risk for future drug addiction. Some vape ingredients have been found to cause irreversible lung damage, while nicotine exposure during adolescence can permanently alter brain development.

• Read more: Nicotine’s Impact on Brain Less Harmful Than Thought, Study Shows

The lawsuit seeks broad relief from the companies, including significant financial penalties, public corrective statements, and the creation of an abatement fund to address the effects of the youth vaping crisis. Attorney General James is also pursuing total disgorgement of all revenues earned as a result of illegal activity.

This action builds on Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to hold the vaping industry accountable and protect the health of New York’s youth. In recent years, she has secured millions in settlements, cracked down on illegal online sales, and led coalitions urging stronger federal regulation of e-cigarettes.

• News source: Attorney General James Sues Nation’s Largest Vape Distributors for Fueling the Youth Vaping Epidemic

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.

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