How many people have been killed by vape explosions?
Data from Tobacco Control suggests that more than 2,000 people were injured from vape explosions in the U.S. from 2015 to 2017. As these health risks continue to be studied, the amount of vaping-related deaths and injuries increases each week.
What happened to the vaping battery that exploded?
What Happened: A lawsuit filed in March 2019 alleges that a vaping battery exploded while being carried in a man’s pocket. According to the lawsuit, the man required emergency surgery and skin grafts. The lawsuit further states that the man will require medical care for the rest of his life.
Can you die from a vape?
Deaths Caused by Vaping The first known death related to vaping occurred in 2018 when the vape pen of Florida man Tallmadge D’Elia exploded and shot metal projectiles into his brain. Battery explosions are one of several causes of death. In August 2019, the CDC received its first report of a vape-related death due to lung illness.
What is an e-cigarette battery explosion?
When an explosion involves a spare battery for a vaping device, the media may incorrectly report it as an “e-cigarette battery explosion” when the truth is that vaping devices use commonly available lithium-ion cells that work in many types of consumer products.
How many Vapes explode a year?
Between 2015 and 2017, there were about 2,035 explosion and burn injuries caused by e-cigarettes, according to a report published last year in BMJ Journals. Researchers noted that the number was likely an underestimate given the difficulty of accurately tracking incidents.
How many times have Vapes explode?
Exploding vape pens and e-cigarettes is a significant issue that has resulted in many severe injuries and even deaths. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, from 2009 to 2016, 195 incidents of exploding electronic cigarettes took place, resulting in 133 injuries.
How many people die from vape in a year?
A total of 60 deaths linked to vaping products have been confirmed as of January 21, 2020 among 27 states and the District of Columbia. At least one death linked to a vaping product.
Is it common for Vapes to explode?
Although these incidents appear uncommon, vape fires and explosions are dangerous to the person using the vaping product and others around them. There may be added dangers, for example, if a vape battery catches fire or explodes near flammable gasses or liquids, such as oxygen, propane, or gasoline.
How many people died from Vapes exploding?
Two people in the U.S. are known to have died from e-cigarette explosions. A 24-year-old Texas man was killed in January when his e-cigarette exploded, sending a metal part of the vape pen into his neck, severing an artery.
Are vape batteries safe?
Consumers should not buy or use individual, loose 18650 lithium-ion battery cells without protection circuits due to possible fire risk, according to a warning just issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Can u die from vaping once?
Cardiac Surgeon Lucian Durham warns inhaling a single puff from a vape could make you his next patient at Froedtert and Medical College of Wisconsin. The lung damage he has seen in patients is the equivalent to someone smoking cigarettes for decades. "It literally can kill you the first time you try it," he says.
Is vaping safer than smoking?
Vaping E-cigarettes is Less Harmful than Smoking Cigarettes. Few things are as dangerous as smoking a traditional combustible cigarette. Cigarettes cause death in two out of three long-term users.
How do lungs heal from vaping?
However, there are certain lifestyle behaviors you can practice to try and accelerate the rate at which your lungs heal.Drink Lots Of Water. ... Eat Healthy Foods. ... Exercise Regularly. ... Cough. ... Clean Your Living Space. ... Practice Deep Breathing. ... Try Steam Therapy.
Do vape batteries explode?
E-cigarette batteries can explode without warning, causing serious injuries such as burns, broken bones, and even death. Over the past few years, these explosions have resulted in thousands of emergency room visits.
Can Vapes explode in your face?
THURSDAY, June 20, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- A vape pen exploded in the face of 17-year-old Nevada boy, breaking his jaw and requiring multiple surgeries to repair the damage, according to a case report in the latest New England Journal of Medicine.
Will my vape explode if I drop it in water?
Accidentally dropping your e cigarette or vape mod A rupture to the battery can occur as a result of this pressure. The battery, container, or both can then fail. This can cause overheating or an explosion.
What happened to the battery in a vape shop?
What Happened: A man’s spare e-cigarette battery exploded in his pocket, causing severe burns to his leg. The man said that he was carrying keys and change in the same pocket. He wasn’t aware of the potential for danger. The incident was filmed by a security camera in the vape shop where the explosion occurred. ( Source)
What happened to a man's vaping device?
What Happened: A man’s vaping device exploded in his pocket while he was remodeling his home. The explosion badly burned his genitals, necessitating a skin graft to his scrotum. The man was described as being in constant agonizing pain. ( Source)
What happened to a vape pen?
What Happened: A man’s vape pen exploded in his mouth while he was using it. The explosion broke his jaw and teeth, fractured fingers and burned his face and legs. ( Source)
What happened to the woman who had a vape?
What Happened: A woman suffered “significant facial injuries” when a vaping device exploded in her face. The explosion happened at a vape shop called The Vapor Shop Inc. ( Source)
What happened to a mechanical mod?
What Happened: A man’s mechanical mod exploded during use. The explosion severed an artery, caused a stroke and ultimately led to the man’s death. The explosion occurred in the parking lot of a vape shop. The man had just entered the vape shop asking for help with the mod. The people working at the vape shop told the man that they either didn’t sell mechanical mods — or didn’t sell that model of mechanical mod — because of the inherent safety issues. ( Source)
What happened to the Air Force?
What Happened: An Air Force veteran had an e-cigarette explode while he was using it. The man sustained burns to his face and shoulder. The explosion happened after the e-cigarette’s owner put in a new battery. He pressed the fire button a few times, and nothing happened. The e-cigarette exploded when he held it near his ear to hear whether the atomizer was firing. ( Source)
What happened to the oxygen concentrator?
What Happened: An e-cigarette exploded while charging, igniting an oxygen concentrator. The e-cigarette’s owner died. Although the exact cause of death was uncertain when the article was published, authorities said that the oxygen concentrator appeared to be in use at the time of the explosion. ( Source)
Loose batteries carried in pockets or purses
A large majority of “vaping explosions” are in reality caused by loose batteries carried in pants pockets, not by vaping devices at all. FDA Center for Tobacco Products researchers found that 77.3 percent of burns caused by vaping accidents were to the upper leg and lower trunk—the location of the hip pocket.
Mislabeled batteries and low-resistance coils
There is a limit to the amperage a device can draw from a battery, and those numbers may be exaggerated by battery manufacturers, wholesalers or distributors. Sometimes batteries are marked “30 amp,” for example, when the battery is only capable of handling 30 amps for a few seconds, rather than for continuous use.
Counterfeit, low-quality, and damaged batteries
Batteries are mass-produced and tested in the factory. Those that don’t meet the standards for direct sale to electronics manufacturers are sometimes sold to resellers, who rewrap them with different brand names and sell them for other uses. The best vaping batteries are the highest-quality ones from the major battery manufacturers.
Charging problems and best practices
It is possible to accidentally overcharge batteries, especially if you use a charger meant for a different kind of battery. If you use a charger intended for large, high-capacity batteries to charge a small vape pen, for example, it can create instability in the battery cell.
What Else Can I Do?
Until all vapes and vape batteries conform to strong and consistent safety standards, your best protection against vape battery fires or explosions may be knowing as much as possible about your device and how to properly handle and charge its batteries.
Downloads
Share these tips with your friends—download the images below and share with your social media community.
How Do I Report a Vape Battery Fire or Explosion to FDA?
Information from consumers about vape fires or explosions can help FDA to address these problems. Anyone can report any undesired health or quality problems with a vape, including fires or explosions, to FDA through the Safety Reporting Portal. When you fill out the form, please be sure to include:
How did the first vape death occur?
The first known death related to vaping occurred in 2018 when the vape pen of Florida man Tallmadge D’Elia exploded and shot metal projectiles into his brain. Battery explosions are one of several causes of death. In August 2019, the CDC received its first report of a vape-related death due to lung illness.
What happens if a vape explodes?
Vaping injuries from battery explosions include: Broken bones and teeth: In 2019, a teenager’s jaw was broken after a vape pen exploded in his mouth. The explosion knocked out several of his teeth. In a similar case from 2018, a man’s jaw broke in three places after a battery explosion.
What happened to the 15 year old girl who vaped?
In 2019, a 15-year-old girl claimed she developed seizures from vaping. Her parents filed a lawsuit against JUUL Labs and tobacco company Phillip Morris. The lawsuit claims that JUUL had not properly warned consumers of the amount of nicotine in its products and that the company targeted teenagers through their marketing and flavored e-liquids.
What are the risks of vaping?
Notable vape injuries include: Death. Lung injuries. Seizures. Strokes. Battery explosion injuries. The CDC and other government agencies are currently investigating all health risks linked to vaping. If you or someone you love uses vape products, it is crucial to know the risks.
Can vaping harm your lungs?
But vapes can harm more than just the lungs. Vape products contain concentrated amounts of nicotine. Many users — particularly teenagers and preteens — may not realize that vapes contain nicotine, putting them at risk for nicotine-related seizures and strokes.
Can you take legal action against a vape company?
Legal Help for Vape Injuries. Today, those harmed from e-cigarettes can take legal action against vape companies. These companies had a duty to make their products as safe as possible. Instead, they sold vape products with dangerous chemicals, concentrated forms of nicotine, and defective batteries.
Can vaping cause seizures?
Seizures and Strokes Caused by Vaping. In April 2019, the FDA reported that vape products may increase the risk of seizures. The agency also notes that seizures are a proven side effect of nicotine toxicity, which occurs when large amounts of nicotine are inhaled or swallowed.
What happened to the batteries in the e-cigarette?
The vast majority of those injured were men who had put e-cigarette batteries in their pants or shorts pockets when they said the batteries exploded. Many experienced severe burns to their legs, arms and hands. Some also had keys in their pocket - a dangerous mix of metal and lithium-ion batteries.
How did Wake D'Elia die?
Wake D'Elia was killed instantly when his e-cigarette malfunctioned and exploded. Courtesy Chris D'Elia. This was not the first time that an 18650 battery has been implicated in an e-cigarette explosion. Concern over these accidents prompted the Food and Drug Administration recently to take the first steps toward monitoring the devices.
How many thin plates are in a lithium ion battery?
The author of that report, Larry McKenna, said lithium-ion batteries contain two thin plates separated by a sponge saturated with a combustible liquid similar to kerosene in terms of flammability. "If those two thin plates touch, that liquid then heats up and bursts into flame," said McKenna. Still, the failure rate is low.
How long did Wake D'Elia work for CNBC?
Wake D'Elia also worked for CNBC for nine years, until 2015. "It was horrible," D'Elia said of the accident that killed his son. "Everything was horrible about this.". D'Elia said he made the decision to speak publicly about his son's death to make others aware of the potential for disaster when using vape mods.
What happened to Wake D'Elia?
By Erika Edwards. In May 2018, Wake D'Elia was at home using an electronic cigarette when the device's battery malfunctioned and exploded, killing him instantly. He was 38. An investigation revealed that the battery was what's called an 18650. The explosion caused the device to shoot "like a rocket into the cranial cavity and then [fall] ...
Can you put 18650s in and out of vape?
But simply doing so can put users at risk. That's because the act of taking 18650s in and out of vaping devices or chargers can damage the cell's insulating wrapper, compromising the safety of the battery, Kerchner said. Mechanical mods give consumers control over the intensity of their vaping experience.
Which e-cigarettes have the UL mark?
Only a handful of e-cigarette manufacturers qualified to have the UL mark on their packaging, including Joyetech, Eleaf, Innokin, Shenzhen IVPS and Shenzhen Smoore Technology . Nine devices from these companies received the UL mark. A few, but not all, are sold in the U.S.
When was the vaping explosion in 2021?
by Peter lam June 21, 2021. There was a time when e-cigarette explosions and fires ruled the news. In fact, during the period just before anti-vaping groups settled on JUUL and the youth vaping epidemic as their primary focus, vaping explosions were featured almost daily in news stories. They remained a regular feature until they were overshadowed ...
What voltage should a vape battery be charged to?
Typical vape batteries, like 18650s, are intended to operate at 3.7 volts, but they are capable of being charged to 4.1 or 4.2 volts. Anything more and they can become unstable.
What to do if battery gets hot?
If batteries ever get hot when charging, replace and recycle them. Simple precautions = battery safety. Legal actions by victims of vape battery accidents against vape shops and battery manufacturers have become commonplace.
How much does an 18650 battery cost?
Saving a few dollars by buying cheap batteries isn’t worth the risk. Good 18650 batteries cost $6-12 each. The good news is that high-quality batteries hold a charge longer and take more charges during their lifetime than cut-rate batteries. Another cause of shorted batteries is damaged battery wraps.
How did a Florida vaper die?
In 2018, a Florida man died when an exploding mechanical mod pierced his brain. A year later, a Texas vaper was killed after an explosion from a similar device severed an artery in his neck. Neither accident would have happened if the men had used regulated vape mods.
What happens if an atomizer draws more current than a battery can safely provide?
If an atomizer draws more current than a battery can safely provide, and there is no electronic cutoff in the device, the battery can overheat and go into thermal runaway. That can cause a fire, or—if the battery can’t easily vent the heat—an explosion.
Can 18650 batteries be used in vaping?
NOTE: most major battery manufacturers say their 18650 batteries are not intended for use in vaping devices or other electronic products that use single cells. Charging problems and best practices.
What is a vape explosion settlement?
Vape explosion settlements are a way for a victim to receive compensation when they’re injured because of a vape pen. Regardless of the source of the product, a company that sells vape pens in the United States has a legal obligation to sell only safe products. JUUL and the other companies that make and market vape pens can be legally liable when their products result in injuries.
What happens if a lithium battery explodes?
When lithium batteries explode, the result may be burns, disfigurement, and broken bones. A lithium battery can explode without feeling hot and without any warning to the user. The victim may suffer damage to their jaw and the soft tissue in the face, hands, and arms. The injuries may require surgery and facial reconstruction. If a lithium battery explodes, the victim may deserve financial compensation from the manufacturer.
What causes a lithium battery to burn?
A lithium-ion battery fire is a fire that occurs when a lithium battery overheats. There may be several causes of a lithium-ion battery fire like a short circuit, poor product design, and wear and tear. Because of the danger of explosion, most airlines do not allow lithium batteries in unpressurized storage compartments on aircraft. A lithium-ion battery can cause serious dangers to victims, including permanent injuries.
What is an e-cigarette lawyer?
An e-cigarette lawyer is a trained and skilled personal injury attorney. They understand the complex science behind vape pen explosions and the injuries that result.
Is a vape pen dangerous?
Lithium-ion batteries in vape pens are a significant danger to the public. They contain electrical components and can short circuit. The Food and Drug Administration does not regulate the wiring systems in vape pens. The components of vape pens are often imported and not held to any regulatory standards. Products may be counterfeit, and they may contain loose batteries. In addition, some vape pens simply have a poor design that can malfunction and cause a lithium battery fire.
New push to raise national smoking and vaping age to 21
E-cigarette explosions occur when the lithium-ion battery inside a vape pen overheats, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is in charge of regulating all tobacco products — including e-cigarettes.
FDA cracks down on sales of flavored e-cigarettes
Injuries related to vape pens, such as burns and explosions, may be more common than previously understood.
UK campaign promotes battery safety
Meanwhile in the UK, the OPSS together with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute ( CTSI ), has launched a campaign to promote battery safety. Most vapes and e-cigarettes are powered by 18650-style batteries, which are slightly larger than the common AA batteries.
London fire brigade fights an average of 24 battery-related fires a week
The London Fire Brigade is said to attend to approximately 24 fires per week caused by batteries, chargers and so forth, and both the London Fire Brigade and OPSS have said that e-cigarettes should not be left to charge overnight.
