Associate Pamela Playo Lin contributed the article “Can We Stop the Vaping Epidemic During this Pandemic?”, published in The Legal Intelligencer on December 10, 2020.
In her article, Pamela explains that the vaping epidemic has continued unchecked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaping is a relatively new phenomena and new science continually emerges on injuries and illnesses tied to vaping. Additionally, teens and young people who pick up vaping are more likely to become traditional cigarette smokers as adults.
One of the most troubling pieces of data to emerge this year is the connection between vaping and the likelihood of contracting the novel coronavirus.
“A recent study conducted by Stanford University’s School of Medicine indicates that teens and young adults who vape are 5 to 7 times more likely to be infected with COVID-19, and are at an “immediate risk” of contracting COVID-19,” Pamela shares in her article.
The necessity of social distancing this year has made it more difficult for people battling addiction to get the help they need—especially because willpower alone is rarely sufficient to quit. Pamela shared advice on getting loved ones to quit vaping during the pandemic, including available resources like cessation programs and virtual support groups.
Pamela Playo Lin is an associate at Anapol Weiss, who focuses her practice on pharmaceutical and product liability. Pamela is actively involved in the JUUL MDL litigation.