The Fight Against Big Tobacco 2.0

A three-pronged attack of federal regulation, state legal action, and class action lawsuits is coming for the makers of e-cigs.

- SY Mukherjee

Vaping the centers for disease control, the Food and Drug Administration, and a bevy of state health departments are investigating at least 380 confirmed and probable cases of mysterious lung illnesses and seven reported deaths, spanning 36 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands—all seemingly related to either nicotine or illicit marijuana vaping devices.

It may take years to identify the source of the illnesses—and longer still to judge the long-term effects of vaping. But here’s what’s clear: Amid the burgeoning outcry over vaping, suits are coming.