In 2015, a man was hospitalized with critical injuries after hise-cigarette exploded in his face.
Anothervictim suffered severe burnson his hands, a hole in his tongue, and knocked out teeth.
Admittedly, to say that e-cigarettes explode sounds over the top, butthis video showsthatsomethingis clearly catching on fire.
This concern over fire and consumer safety prompted theU.S.
Lithium-ion batteries are found everywhere, from our cell phones to our cameras to our hybrid cars.
In other, more manual e-cigs, you have to press a switch to take a drag.
Either way, a lithium-ion battery is involved.
In early 2015, theFederal Aviation Associationprohibitede-cigs and other spare lithium-ion batteriesfrom beingkept in checked baggage.
However, the cylindrical design of e-cigs and its structurally weak end points make it a bigger fire risk.
Normally, batteries have safety features to prevent short circuits and overcharging.
However, e-cigarettes typically have a USB port that seems to be compatible with any USB cable and charger.
But as of right now, these guidelines havent been finalized yet.
In the meantime, you’re able to keep yourself safe with a little more education.
Most importantly, handle your e-cigarette batteries (or any lithium-ion battery, for that matter) with care.
This way, you know the battery is compatible with the charger.
Avoid leaving it connected to the charger overnight.
Be careful about what you plug your e-cig into:Avoid plugging the e-cig into any old USB port.
The manufacturers user manual usually includes technical specifications for the proper voltage.
Plus, there are different quality of batteries.
When youre not using the e-cigarette, be sure to turn the battery off.
If its even possible, remove the battery and let it burn out outdoors.
to prevent the fire from spreading.
Not all battery failures can be prevented, but the likelihood of an e-cigarette battery failing is statistically low.
If you vape, vape with care.
Illustration by: Sam Woolley.
