Illinois Attorney General files lawsuit against Juul Labs

Posted on December 12, 2019
In the lawsuit, Raoul is alleging that by combining its sleek, easily-concealed e-cigarette device with an offering of sweet and fruity flavors, a less harsh nicotine solution, and marketing designed to attract minors, JUUL has succeeded in undoing years of progress made to reduce youth smoking rates. (Photo Juul Labs)

 

By Neil Doyle and Illinois Information Service

CHICAGO – Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul was joined Thursday by physicians and public health advocates to announce a lawsuit the Attorney General’s office filed against JUUL Labs, Inc., the nation’s largest manufacturer of e-cigarettes.

The lawsuit alleges that Juul is violating the state consumer fraud act by misrepresenting the ability of its product to help people quit smoking and by promoting vaping to teens.

“This lawsuit is part of a comprehensive approach to addressing a public health epidemic, particularly one impacting young people,” said Raoul in a news release.

JUUL’s e-cigarette device resembles a USB flash drive, can be charged via a USB port, and can be used discreetly, all features that make JUUL’s device more appealing to youth, according to the lawsuit.

So far in Illinois, there have been 201 confirmed cases of sever lung injury from vaping, including five deaths.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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