E-Cigarettes/Vaping Devices Can Explode, Injure Users

August 16, 2019

Vaping is supposed to be a safer alternative to cigarette smoking. While the potential long-term health risks of inhaling the vapors of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been widely publicized lately, there are short-term risks that can result in serious injury or death.

There were 2,035 e-cigarette injuries caused by explosions and burns between 2015 and 2017, according to a report in the BMJ Journal from 2018.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the lithium-ion batteries in the devices could be what is causing the explosions. It is thought that some devices may not properly release heat, causing the battery to overheat and explode. In some cases, it may be that a leak caused water to seep in and get the battery wet, resulting in a short-circuit and battery explosion.

A number of injuries to the mouth, teeth and jaw have been reported when a device exploded while its user was inhaling. In Texas, a man was killed when his vape pen exploded and severed his carotid artery. A Florida man was killed when his vale pen exploded and caused a small house fire.

Vaping Safety Tips from the FDA

Here are some safety tips offered by the FDA on reducing the risk of a vaping explosion:

1. Consider using vape devices that have safety features, such as firing buttons, vent holes, overcharging protection.
2. Store loose batteries where they will not make contact with metal objects in your pocket.
3. Always use the battery charger that came with the device, do not use phone chargers.
4. Do not charge the batteries in your device overnight.
5. Replace batteries that get wet or damaged.

Call Our Licensed Attorneys for a Risk-Free Consultation

Injured by an exploding e-cigarette or vaping device?

You can discuss the situation with one of our experienced Phoenix product liability lawyers for free in a legal consultation. We can discuss whether you may have legal options.

Call us to discuss what happened to you or your loved one. Call 1-800-706-3000 .