E-cigarettes are not necessarily safer or healthier for you than traditional cigarettes — and their risk of explosion may actually make them even more dangerous.
Joining hoverboards and cell phones, e-cigarettes are the latest technology to pose a severe danger from explosions. Consumers across the country have filed lawsuits against e-cigarette manufacturers, alleging that these products have an inherent risk of fire and explosion because of their lithium ion batteries.
These batteries are the culprit behind exploding smartphones and hoverboards. However, e-cigarettes pose a unique danger because they are designed to heat up — increasing the possibility that an explosion will occur. Of course, e-cigarettes have other potential harms as well, including chemicals that may cause cancer and nicotine. But an explosion near a person’s face presents a more immediate risk of harm — which is why some are calling for increased regulation of these devices.
The Use of E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes have become a mainstream product, with more and more consumers “vaping” rather than smoking. They are touted as a healthier alternative to smoking, with many of the cancer-causing agents (carcinogens) either not present or in present in much smaller quantities than in traditional cigarettes.
However, little is known about the risks of “smoking” e-cigarettes. These devices allow users to inhale a vapor that contains nicotine. A battery and heating element work together to produce the vapor from a liquid-filled cartridge, which the user then inhales. There are a number of ingredients in e-cigarette liquid, including nicotine, and many of these ingredients may be carcinogens. Studies have found that some e-cigarette liquids contain cancer-causing agents such as formaldehyde. The FDA will begin regulating e-cigarettes in 2016, but manufacturers have two years to submit an application to remain on the market — which means that for the immediate future, e-cigarette liquid is largely unregulated.
Explosions and Burns
Beyond the possible dangers of chemicals in e-cigarette liquids, the device itself may cause serious risk of immediate injury through explosions. Each device contains a lithium ion battery. When combined with the heating element of the device and its cylindrical shape, the potential for a fire or explosion increases dramatically. Because these devices have largely been unregulated, there is little control over the quality of the batteries and the product as a whole.
Consumers have suffered severe injuries as a result of their e-cigarette devices exploding. The explosions and fires have caused burns on user’s legs when they exploded while in a pocket. They have also exploded while in use, causing grave injuries to users’ mouths, teeth and faces. Foreign articles from the explosion may become imbedded in users’ skin, and they may also suffer injuries from the contents of the batteries.
Without a doubt, e-cigarettes present a serious risk to anyone who uses them. In addition to the unknown effects of the e-cigarette liquid, these devices may catch on fire or explode — in a purse, pants pocket or even while in use. As a result, the potential for serious injury from an e-cigarette is incredibly high.
If you have been injured by an exploding e-cigarette, you may be entitled to compensation from the manufacturer for your medical expenses, lost wages, any permanent injuries and pain and suffering. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we are skilled at handling all types of products liability cases — including injuries caused by fires and explosions from defective batteries. Contact our office today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to learn more about how we can help you if you have been hurt by a dangerous e-cigarette.
