New York sues e-cigarette firm Juul for targeting youngsters in wake of lung problem epidemic
- Juul is accused of misleading consumers by misrepresenting its products as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and of illegally selling its products to minors
New York on Tuesday became the second state this week to sue Juul, the United States’ largest electronic cigarette manufacturer, for illegally targeting minors with its marketing campaigns.
The lawsuits come as the vaping industry faces intense scrutiny over an epidemic of lung ailments linked to e-cigarette use that has killed more than 40 people and sickened more than 2,000 in recent months.
The New York suit accuses Juul of misleading consumers by misrepresenting its products as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and of illegally selling its products to minors.
“There can be no doubt that Juul’s aggressive advertising has significantly contributed to the public health crisis that has left youth in New York and across the country addicted to its products,” said state Attorney General James.
The 38-page complaint accuses Juul of glamorising vaping and appealing to youngsters by deploying colourful ad campaigns that feature young models.
E-cigarettes have soared in popularity among young people since they were introduced about a decade ago and Juul sales represent more than 64 per cent of all e-cigarettes in the US.