LOS ANGELES, C.A. — NBC Los Angeles reported that Juul Labs, the most prominent and recognizable manufacturer of electric cigarettes, will stop advertising in the United States. The announcement came as Juul Lab’s Chief Executive Officer stepped down from his post amidst the on-going health care crisis involving vaping in the country. The illnesses caused by […]
LOS ANGELES, C.A. — NBC Los Angeles reported that Juul Labs, the most prominent and recognizable manufacturer of electric cigarettes, will stop advertising in the United States. The announcement came as Juul Lab’s Chief Executive Officer stepped down from his post amidst the on-going health care crisis involving vaping in the country. The illnesses caused by vaping and e-cigarette use have reached epidemic proportions. At least eleven people are now confirmed dead as a result of the mysterious lung disease that is defying explanation from doctors and public health officials alike.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration unloaded substantial pressure onto Juul to justify claims made in the company’s advertisements. Juul’s campaign called “Make the Switch” strongly implies that using e-cigarette products is safer than tobacco smoking. There is a substantial problem with that claim, even if it is implied and not stated overtly. Juul possesses no proof that vaping is a safe and effective method of smoking cessation. The FDA demanded documents from Juul that back up its claims. None have been forthcoming. However, Juul previously stated that e-cigarettes should be considered an alternative to smoking and not a product to help with smoking cessation.
Juul’s new CEO, a former executive with the Altria Group who owns more than 33% of Juul Labs, ordered Juul’s adverts pulled from all television, radio, and digital ad space.
Juul’s new CEO also said that the company would not pursue any efforts to lobby the federal government if the president executes an executive order banning flavored vaping products. The new CEO also said that the company will comply and cooperate with the Trump Administration’s executive orders and guidance if the policy ever goes into effect.
LA County health officials have asked people to stop using e-cigarette and vaping products. Experts have not made a connection between any one product, including Juul, and the eleven deaths attributed to vaping thus far. One person from the Los Angeles area has died from a vaping-related lung illness.