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Lawsuits are being filed against the manufacturers of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) because the batteries in the devices have been known to overheat and explode during normal use, and also during charging, causing severe burns to users and property damage.
Most of the fires involving e-cigarettes occur when the battery is being charged in a USB port or being carried in a person’s pocket. The problem appears to be that different USB ports put out different levels of current, which can cause the battery to overheat. Additionally, if a battery is being carried in a person’s pocket, it can come in contact with loose metal objects (such as keys, coins or jewelry), which can cause it to short.
The explosions often could be prevented if the manufacturers utilized overcharging technology and locking mechanisms that would prevent the devices from unintentionally activating, or by having the positive and negative leads on the batteries protected from contact with metal objects.
While explosions are rare, the results have been very serious. Due to the potential severity, airplane passengers are not permitted to store these products in checked luggage. Instead, they must carry the devices with them on the plane.
In order to minimize the chances of a fire, it is recommended that people purchase domestically-produced products from reputable, U.S.-based companies rather than those manufactured overseas, where production standards and regulations are much weaker. Users should also avoid activating the button for more than a few seconds and overcharging the device – both of which can weaken the battery.
E Cigarette Explosions: An In Depth Investigation
There are three main pieces that make these devices work. The cartridge or tank (where the liquid nicotine is stored), the atomizer (the heating element), and the battery. Of these elements, the battery, seems to be the most likely to cause the explosions. Published in E-Cig Reviews – Explosion Investigation
E-Cigarette Fires: The Comprehensive List
People have begun to experience different types of explosions since sub-ohm vaping and mods with removable batteries have become more popular. More than ever, these fires are occurring during normal use. Explosions resulting from people carrying spare batteries in their pockets are also far more common. Published in E-Cig One – List of Electronic Cigarette Fires
E-Cigarette Users Sue Over Exploding Devices
When Ms. Berven pushed the activation button, she claims the device exploded, ripping a hole in her mouth and spewing battery acid across her body. Months later, Ms. Berven is struggling to pay for dental procedures, and bears scars on her face. Published in Wall Street Journal – E-Cig Exploding Devices
Colorado sees alarming spike in e-cigarette fires
In Colorado alone last year, there were 16 explosion cases that were admitted to the UCHealth burn center, seven at Swedish Medical Center, two at Denver International Airport, two in Telluride, three in Colorado Springs and one in Greeley. In total, there were at least 34 battery explosions in Colorado in 2016, with 27 of those cases involving injuries. Published in Denver News – Colorado E-Cig Fires
E-cig explosions blamed for facial injuries, severe burns
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed by consumers who say their products blew up, causing serious and expensive injuries. The Food and Drug Administration has found 134 reports of overheating, fires, and explosions of the devices in the U.S. between 2009 and January 2016. Published in Consumer Affairs – E-Cig Facial Burns
People Are Suing Over Exploding E-Cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes are seen by some as a safer alternative to traditional forms of smoking, though the jury is still largely out on their long-term health effects. Now, the so-called “e-cigs” are facing another safety issue, as multiple users have filed lawsuits alleging their battery-powered devices exploded and, in some cases, caused serious injuries. Published in Time Magazine – Electronic Cigarette Explosion Lawsuits
E-cigarettes are expanding tobacco product use among youth
Electronic cigarettes are actually attracting a new population of adolescents who might not otherwise have smoked tobacco products. Researchers concluded that low-risk youths in the study, who went on to smoke regular cigarettes, may not have used nicotine at all if ENDS did not exist. Published in UCSF – E-Cig Youth Marketing
E-cigarette Ads and Youth
Companies have rapidly increased advertising spending, from $6.4 million in 2011 to $115 million in 2014. Many of the themes used in advertising for cigarettes are also now used to advertise electronic cigarettes – including sex, independence, and rebellion. Published in CDC – E-Cigarette Youth Ads
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In 2016, the FDA finalized a rule extending its regulatory authority to cover all tobacco products, including vaporizers, vape pens, hookah pens, and all other electronic nicotine delivery systems. Published in FDA – Vaporizers & E-Cig Systems
Any electronic cigarette product introduced or modified after February 15, 2007, must submit a premarket application to the FDA through one of the three available pathways. Published in FDA – E-Cig Regulations
The lithium-ion batteries used to power these devices can fail. Battery failures, manifested as small explosions and fires, have occurred. The manufacturers should consider changing to a different style of electrical connection. Published in U.S. Fire Administration – Electronic Cigarette Explosions
Even though we know that diacetyl causes popcorn lung, this chemical is found in many e-cig flavors. It is added to “e-juice” liquid by some companies to complement flavorings such as vanilla, maple, coconut and more. Users are directly inhaling this harmful chemical into their lungs. Published in American Lung Association – E-Cigarette Popcorn Lungs
Measurements of airway obstruction (oscillometry) and inflammation (exhaled nitric oxide) were worse after electronic cigarette sessions, and these findings were more severe in asthmatics. Published in American College of Chest Physicians – E-Cig Pulmonary Issues in Youth
“The electronic cigarette is not a proven nicotine replacement therapy,” said Dr Ala Alwan, Assistant Director-General of WHO’s Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health Cluster. “WHO has no scientific evidence to confirm the product’s safety and efficacy. Its marketers should immediately remove from their web sites and other informational materials any suggestion that WHO considers it to be a safe and effective smoking cessation aid.” Published in World Health Organization – Electronic Cigarette Therapy Claims
Aerosols generated with vaporizers contained up to 31 compounds, including nicotine, nicotyrine, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, glycidol, acrolein, acetol, and diacetyl. Glycidol is a probable carcinogen not previously identified in the vapor, and acrolein is a powerful irritant. Published in Environmental Science & Technology – E-Cig Harmful Chemical Release
Diacetyl, a flavoring chemical linked to cases of severe respiratory disease, was found in more than 75% of flavored electronic cigarettes and refill liquids tested by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Published in Harvard School of Public Health – E-Cigarette Flavors Linked to Respiratory Disease
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