Man using an E-Cigarette

You may remember hearing in the news about the tragic death of two young men after their e-cigarette exploded while in use. Now, months later, these deaths and many other injuries are being linked to a specific type of battery used in e-cigarettes known as the 18650 battery. There have been over 200 reports of e-cigarette related serious injuries. Recently, e-cigarettes and vaping have become an epidemic among youth in the United States. Understanding the dynamics and safety of batteries found in e-cigarettes is becoming increasingly important as vaping has developed into a serious public health concern.

Why Are 18650 Batteries Considered Especially Dangerous?

The 18650 battery has now been linked to the deaths and injuries resulting from e-cigarette explosions. The 18650 battery is only a little bit bigger than an AA battery and contains lithium-ion. The original intended use was only for electric cars and power tools. The battery was never intended to come into close contact with a human’s mouth or face. The closer the product is to a person’s face, the more devastating the injuries can be if an explosion occurs.

Woman with Failing E-Cigarette Batteries

The easiest way to tell if your battery is particularly dangerous is if it is removable. When the battery in an e-cigarette is removable, there is more opportunity to damage the battery. Once damaged, it is only a matter of time until the battery fails, resulting in an explosion. The battery is most activate when inhaling, which makes it even more dangerous because the injuries can be catastrophic.

What Can You Do To Help Prevent E-Cigarette Explosions?

There are 9 steps you can take to help prevent your battery from exploding and injuring you:

Woman using e-cigarette with failing e-cigarette batteries

  1. You should not use your e-cigarette if the battery is damaged or exposed to heat.
  2. You want to store your e-cigarette in a protective container that may be bought at any local vape shop.
  3. Do not carry your e-cigarette in your hands, pockets, or purse. If it does explode, the closer it is to your body, the more damage it is likely to cause.
  4. You never want to leave your e-cigarette on the charger for too long, as it can overheat.
  5. Avoid getting the batteries wet.
  6. If you feel the device heating too fast, move away quickly as this may be an early indication of an e-cigarette explosion.
  7. Try to never block the ventilation system on your device.
  8. Only buy the best brands. Usually, if the seller of the e-cigarette claims to produce a “high output,” it is likely counterfeit which drastically increases the risk of a battery explosion.
  9. Educate yourself on the inner workings of batteries so you can identify a potentially dangerous failing battery.

Contact an Experienced E-Cigarette Lawyer Today!

Experienced E-Cigarette LawyerIf you or a loved one recently experienced injuries after an e-cigarette explosion, you should contact an experienced e-cigarette lawyer today. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, and pain and suffering, among other losses. We work with some of the most experienced e-cigarette lawyers across the country. Just call us today toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

Sources:

  1. apple.news/AHlIgVxmKSfm3D1wlhvanuQ
Author Photo

Paul d’Oliveira

Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.

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