FEMA Study Analyzes E Cigarette Explosions

E Cigarette customers across the country are reporting serious burn injuries, which allegedly occurred due to the products suddenly exploding.

Many of these reports indicate customers had to be hospitalized due to these burns, often requiring surgery or skin grafts to replenish lost flesh. These e cigarette explosions are reportedly being caused by the powerful lithium batteries inside the products, resulting in serious injuries and medical bills for consumers.

E Cigarette popularity has risen over the years, as consumers continually seek out alternatives to traditional nicotine smoking. However, the lithium ion batteries have been making this option less appealing, as most consumers worry over the products exploding in their pockets and sometimes in their hands or mouths.

These lithium ion batteries reportedly combust due to being sensitive to extreme temperature changes, with the ideal temperatures being between 50 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Consumers have alleged the lithium batteries are defectively made, and explode if there is not sufficient ventilation.

It is important to note that these lithium ion batteries are the same reason why hover boards were exploding, making consumers wonder how safe e cigarettes actually are. Specialized class action and product liability lawyers are attempting to answer these questions, and are encouraging consumers to educate themselves to help prevent further incidents.

Overview of E Cigarette Explosion Causes

According to FEMA, 80% of e cigarette explosions occur when the product is charging, when the temperature tilts back and forth between hot and cold. However , oftentimes the explosions have been linked to alternative brand chargers, or chargers that were not sold with the battery.

Recent research has identified 30 cases of e cigarette explosions from between 2012 to 2015, with 22 of the cases indicating the explosion occurred during charging while the other eight occurred when being used or in the pocket of the consumer.

FEMA estimates that 12% of e cigarette explosion cases occur when the device is either in use or in the consumer’s pockets, reportedly due to the lithium being packed into small spaces.

According to a case study from the American Journal of Medical Case Reports, an incident occurred in February 2015 in New Jersey and the source of the explosion could not be identified. Even though the e cigarette exploded in the consumer’s pocket, scientists suspected it had to do with the battery being in a tightly confined space.

Overall, experts from FEMA advise consumers not to use chargers or adapters “not supplied by the manufacturer may subject the battery to higher current than is safe, leading to thermal runaway that results in an explosion and/or fire.” Even though most cases of e cigarette explosions are relatively minor, some cases have resulted in severe burns and significant damage to personal property.

Several e cigarette manufacturers and vape stores have been hit with product liability claims, alleging the products were made with defective batteries. Potential claimants may be able to file legal action against e cigarette manufacturers, and should contact a specialized lawyer to review their options.