Sold in the United States since 2007, e-cigarettes were introduced in the marketplace as a last resort method of helping people quit traditional cigarettes. Once people were able to quit their nicotine habit, vaping became the smoking standard doing away with tobacco, nicotine, and other carcinogens all together.
E-Cigarettes vs. Vaping
E-cigarettes are inhalers powered by a rechargeable battery that contain a cartridge called a cartomizer, and an LED light at the tip of the device that lights up when air is pulled or puffed. The cartomizer contains nicotine but there is no tobacco in the product. Now regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, today there are thousands of e-cigarette manufacturers all over the world.
Vaping is the act of inhaling water vapor through a personal vaporizer, oftentimes shaped like a pen. When the user draws on the device, a battery heats the liquid, which is turned into an inhalable vapor. Often sold in different flavors there is no tobacco or nicotine in the device.
Are E-Cigarettes and Vape Safe?
According to the U.S. Fire Administration department of FEMA, 80% of e-cigarette explosions happen during the charging process. The explosions are caused by e-cigarette malfunction, the use of an incorrect charger, or a defect in the lithium ion rechargeable battery. Other causes of e-cigarette and vaping device accidents include poor design, use of low quality materials, manufacturing flaws and defects, improper use and handling, or overheating batteries. The other 20% of e-cigarette and vaping explosions occur when the device is in the user’s’ pocket, hand, or mouth.other
E-Cigarettes and Vape Injuries
FEMA found that 1/3 of the cases involving e-cigarettes and vaping device explosions led to damage to the home, room, or vehicle where the device was stored. Any explosion while the e-cigarette and vaping device is in the possession of the user has devastating consequences. Whether in the pocket, in hand, or mouth, burns and permanent disfigurement are two life-changing injuries. When caused by the lithium ion battery, which are known to spontaneously combust, the user is given no warning before the device explodes. Common injuries include burns and other topical injuries to the hands, mouth, and area where device was stored pant or jacket pocket.
Avoiding E-Cigarettes and Vape Explosions
Keep the following tips in mind when you purchase your next e-cigarette or vape device.
- Buy from a reputable source;
- Use device charger;
- Do not plug into computers or other USB capable devices
- Do not overcharge batteries; and
- Purchase models where batteries completely disconnect from the device.
Injured by an E-Cigarette or Vape Explosion in Massachusetts?
Experienced Boston Area Personal Injury Attorneys – Initial Consultations Are Always Free – No Fee Unless We Recover For You
If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-cigarettes and vape explosion, then call the e-cigarettes and vape explosion lawyers at The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan today. We have a proven track record with over 35 years of legal experience. Our e-cigarette and vape explosion attorneys have successfully represented victims of explosion accidents for decades and we are ready to take on your case today.
No matter where you are located, we are just a phone call away. Call our law offices today to schedule a free no-obligation case review and consultation at (508) 588-0422 or click the link below to use our Free Case Evaluation Form.
Our personal injury lawyers assist accident victims throughout all of Southeast Massachusetts, including but not limited to Plymouth County including Brockton, Plymouth, Bridgewater, Marshfield, Hingham, Duxbury, Wareham, Abington, Rockland, Whitman, Hanson, Holbrook, Middleborough; Norfolk County including Quincy, Stoughton, Dedham, Weymouth, Braintree, Avon, Holbrook, Randolph, Canton, Sharon, Brookline, Franklin; Bristol County including New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, Attleboro, Mansfield, Easton, Raynham, Lakeville, Norton; Cape Cod, Hyannis, Falmouth, Barnstable, Worcester, Springfield, Holyoke, and the Greater Boston area including Cambridge, Somerville, Medford, Everett, Lawrence, Lynn, Revere, Dorchester, Roxbury.
