Seattle Public Schools wins nearly $2 million in vaping lawsuit

Four years ago, Seattle Public Schools joined districts across the state and country to sue JUUL Labs and other vaping companies.

They alleged the companies deliberately advertised and designed their products to target kids, leading to a dramatic increase in youth vaping and nicotine addiction.

Now, the suit is paying off: Last week, the school board accepted a $1.75 million settlement. It’ll be paid in installments over the next four years.

As part of the settlement agreement, which states proceeds must be used for “compensatory restitution or remediation,” the district says the funds will be used as part of a “multi-pronged approach” to fight youth vaping. That includes prevention, early intervention, and cessation.

The district says the money also may be used to address mental health issues that might lead a student to vape.

Seattle is set to get its first payment of $750,000 from JUUL this month.