
Electronic Cigarettes: Hidden Explosive and Dangerous Hazards
In 2007, the first e-cigarettes were widely available in the United States. They are also known as electronic cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery system [ENDS]. Since 2007, the popularity of electronic cigarettes has grown tremendously. In 2015, there were an estimated 2,750,000 e-cigarette users in the United States. Additionally, the sales of e cigarette devices and accessories are over $2.8 billion dollars. 1However with such widespread usage, the dangers associated with electronic cigarettes have also reached the mainstream.
The American Medical Association is among the medical associations that have expressed concern about the rapid growth of the popularity of electronic cigarettes among high school students and college-aged individuals.
Medical professionals are most concerned about the high concentrations of nicotine in e-cigarettes, which can be harmful and addictive. E-cigarettes can cause serious and long-lasting injuries. This is the most immediate and dangerous danger.
Electronic cigarettes explode and burn with alarming frequency. They can cause third-degree injuries and loss of body parts like eyes, tongues and teeth.
Burns from Vaping are on the Rise
In a study published in August 2018 it was revealed that 2,035 cases of explosions and burn injuries were reported to U.S. emergency departments between 2015 and 2017. Between 2015 and 2017, Emergency Departments reported 2,035 incidents of explosions and burn injuries. 4This number is significantly higher than media reports. The rapid increase in injuries caused by exploding electronic cigarettes is alarming. The United States does not have any regulations that govern e-cigarettes. There are no regulations for ecigarette batteries in the United States, despite the FDA’s expansion to include ecigarettes in 2016. 5.
Figure 5 shows the most common batteries used in e-cigarettes. These batteries do not currently have built-in safety protections against thermal burnout, fire or rupture. Many, many types of electronic cigarettes do not provide adequate protection from short circuits or thermal runaway.
Electronic Cigarettes: Growing Risks
In response to the increasing danger of ecigarette explosions and fires, in April 2018, the American National Standards Institute, Inc., (ANSI), and Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., (UL) approved ANSI/UL-8139, a national standard for electrical systems of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices. ANSI/UL 8139 provides specific requirements to improve electrical system protections and safeguards of e-cigarettes.
Some of the new requirements are:
- Batteries must meet UL 1642 – the standard for lithium-ion batteries.
- Chargers should comply with the standards that are already in place for audio/video equipment, communication equipment and information technology equipment.
- The venting system on e-cigarettes is designed to channel the pressure wave into a direction that minimizes harm.
- Batteries and devices must be protected against overcharge, discharge, and short-circuit conditions. They also need to be able to withstand a single fault condition without causing a fire or rupture.
Despite the fact that there are other standards in ANSI/UL8139 which, if followed, would reduce electronic cigarettes’ dangers, they continue to increase. The vape shops continue to sell unprotected batteries that are used with e-cigarettes. Vape shops sell batteries that are labeled 18650, 3,0 mAh lithium-ion.
Lee Clark & Associates is a law firm based in Lakewood Ranch, FL, specializing in personal injury cases. Their services include slip and fall injuries, mass torts, defective product claims, tobacco-related injuries, defective e cigarette injury attorney Lakeland FL, and wrongful death cases across Florida. With years of experience and a client-focused approach, the firm proudly serves clients in Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Whether you’ve been hurt by a defective product or are seeking justice for the wrongful death of a loved one, W. Lee Clark & Associates is here to guide you and protect your rights. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and start pursuing the compensation you deserve.