Vaping can seem like a safer alternative to smoking and helps many people quit the habit. However, electronic cigarettes or e-cigs can also be dangerous for smokers.
Recently, there have been a string of serious injuries caused by e-cigarettes across the U.S. According to Scientific American, in April of this year, a teenager in New York City was blinded when an e-cig exploded in a store, causing shrapnel to fly into his eyes. In May, an e-cig exploded in the face of a man in Albany. He was left with a hole in his tongue, knocked out teeth and burns on his hand.
These are just two examples of many across the country. Exploding e-cigarettes -and the battery acid inside of them – have caused a wide range of injuries since they came on the market, including:
- Facial scarring
- Holes and burns in the tongue and lips
- Broken and cracked teeth
- Second- and third-degree burns
- Eye injuries
What can you do to prevent injury?
E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid, which creates a vapor. The heat is created by a lithium-ion battery. It is this battery which can pose a danger to those who use e-cigs. When a lithium-ion battery fails, it can overheat and explode.
These explosions are rare, but you can still take steps to avoid injury when you vape. Be sure to purchase your e-cigs and batteries from reputable dealers and manufacturers. Also, carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing and charging the battery. Often, these explosion occur when charging a battery or installing a new battery.
What can you do if you are injured?
Medical treatment should be your first priority. Then, if your explosion was the result of a manufacturing defect or another type of negligence, you may be able to bring a lawsuit. An attorney with experience in products liability can help you hold the dealer, designer and manufacturer accountable for your injuries.