A roofer is suing a vape shop in County Durham after claiming that an e-cigarette purchased from the store caused his lung to collapse. Alex Gittins, 31, is seeking the permanent closure of Easi-Vape on Newgate Street in Bishop Auckland and has engaged a lawyer to fight his case. Gittins alleges that a vape he bought from the shop not only landed him in the hospital but also required multiple surgeries.
The injuries sustained by Gittins have prevented him from working, causing financial hardship as he is self-employed. Easi-Vape’s spokesperson has acknowledged contact from Gittins’ lawyer but maintains there is no evidence linking their products to his health condition.
Alex Gittins, 31, (pictured) is calling for Easi-Vape on Bishop Auckland’s Newgate Street to be closed over claims an e-cigarette he bought from them caused him to suffer a collapsed lung
Disputing the allegations, the spokesperson for Easi-Vape asserts that all their products are legal and approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK.
Gittins, who is expecting a child in September, expresses concern for the safety of others, particularly children, who may be using vapes. He questions the government’s inaction in banning vapes despite potential dangers.
Having purchased disposable vapes from Easi-Vape for the past four months, Gittins had experienced no issues until the day he noticed a problematic sensation while using one on May 25. He describes a sudden lack of vapor production and a foul taste in his throat. Within minutes, he felt a severe pain resembling a stitch in his side, which worsened over the following hour.
Alex Gittins, 31, (pictured) was forced to undergo multiple operations after his right lung collapsed
Concerned about his well-being, Gittins visited a walk-in centre in Hartlepool, where he was advised to go to the nearest hospital. At Darlington A&E, a doctor delivered the shocking news that his right lung had collapsed. He was admitted to a respiratory ward for treatment but experienced complications during the procedure, leading to fluid leakage in his lung.
Despite attempts to remove the fluid, Gittins’ lung failed to reinflate after two days. Emergency surgery was performed in Middlesbrough, during which a portion of his lung was removed, stapled back together, and inflated on June 5. He was discharged on June 9 but now faces weekly check-ups and ongoing breathing difficulties.
Gittins firmly believes that the vape he purchased from Easi-Vape is responsible for his hospitalization. He claims that NHS staff informed him of a rising number of vape-related incidents requiring hospitalization. Gittins has reported the shop to Trading Standards and is currently working with a lawyer to pursue his case.
Alex Gittins has undergone multiple operations and continues to struggle with his breathing
In addition to his legal pursuit, Gittins has expressed concerns about the financial strain caused by his absence from work and his partner’s imminent due date. As a self-employed individual, Gittins worries about relying solely on his partner’s income from her job at Specsavers.
Easi-Vape acknowledges their interaction with the lawyer representing Gittins but maintains that all their vapes carry MHRA approval and that there is no evidence linking their products to his condition. They also note that Gittins himself has a history of smoking for the past 15 years.
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