Danger In The Vapor
A new way of smoking cigarettes has slowly risen over the last few years, and now it seems like everywhere you look people are "vaping" instead of smoking. While the jury is still out on whether or not this form of smoking is actually safer than that of regular cigarettes, using a vaporizer, or e-cigarette, has become a phenomenon. With the popularity comes perils, however. Read on to learn more about the dangers of vaping.
Vaporization
Instead of lighting a cigarette with fire, vaporization devices use heat to turn liquid nicotine into vapor, which is inhaled by the user. Vapes depend on a battery to perform this action, and that is where the danger lies. While using nicotine in any form is not safe, these devices can maim in seconds.
Severe Injuries
As you might imagine, since these devices are kept in pockets and held close to the mouth, problems with fires and explosions can cause serious burns and disfigurement. In some cases, victims face years of surgery to correct damage to the face, tongue, lips, hands and other body parts. It is thought that sparks from the battery are causing the problem, but it is still unclear if it is the device itself or the battery that is at fault.
The Battery Issue
The problem with batteries catching fire or exploding is not unique to vape devices. The news is full of stories about hover-boards and laptops suddenly becoming firebombs in the user's hands, homes or at work. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tracked injuries from bad batteries and found 134 incidents during the 7 year study period.
What is known at this time is that the lithium batteries that go into devices like vapes can be prone to overheating when they are not properly ventilated. Once pressure is allowed to build up, a spark can prompt a fire or explosion. Users should take some precautions to ensure that nothing surprising and dangerous occurs when storing, carrying or using a vape device.
Safety precautions:
1. Always use the correct type of battery meant to go into your device. Secondary market batteries might save you money, but could also cause grievous harm.
2. Charging the battery using something called a smart charger is suggested, since overcharging might cause the battery to fail, overheat and catch fire.
3. Use the right charger for your device and for the battery. Again, after-market chargers might be dangerous.
4. Don't allow your device to experience extreme temperature changes. Keep it in a room temperature location, not in your car.
5. Don't allow your battery to be loose in your pocket or bag with your change and keys.
6. If your battery looks different in any way, toss it and purchase a new one.
When an Injury Happens
If you or a loved one is the victim of an exploding e-cigarette device, talk to a personal injury attorney. You are entitled to use a product without having to fear disfigurement and the misery of burns, and your actions may not only compensate you but send a message to the manufacturers of unsafe products.
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