How Many Cases of Vapes Exploding? A Look at the Latest Statistics

If you are a vaper, you may be wondering how many cases of vapes exploding have been reported. Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there were at least 195 incidents of e-cigarette explosions and fires between 2009 and 2016. However, this number is likely an underestimate as incidents may not be reported or recorded accurately.

A systematic review published in 2023 found that e-cigarette explosions can cause lifelong injuries, including burns, fractures, and even death. The review analyzed 15 studies on e-cigarette explosions and found that the majority of incidents occurred during use or charging, and that the batteries were often the source of the explosion. The review also noted that e-cigarette explosions are more likely to occur with devices that use replaceable batteries and that the risk can be reduced by following safety guidelines.

While the exact number of cases of vapes exploding is difficult to determine, it is clear that these incidents can cause serious harm. If you use e-cigarettes, it is important to follow safety guidelines, such as using the charger that came with your device, not leaving your device unattended while charging, and replacing batteries if they become damaged. By taking these precautions, you can reduce the risk of an e-cigarette explosion and keep yourself safe.

Understanding Vapes

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Vapes, also known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, are battery-operated devices that heat a liquid (e-liquid or vape juice) to produce an aerosol or vapor that is inhaled by the user. Vaping is often seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, but it is not without risks.

Components of a Vape

A vape typically consists of the following components:

Component	Description
Battery	Powers the device
Tank	Holds the e-liquid
Atomizer	Heats the e-liquid to produce vapor
Mouthpiece	The part you inhale from

Some vapes may also have additional features such as adjustable airflow, temperature control, and variable wattage.

How Vapes Work

When you press the button on a vape, the battery sends power to the atomizer, which heats the e-liquid in the tank. The e-liquid then turns into vapor, which is inhaled through the mouthpiece.

It’s important to note that not all vapes are the same. Some vapes may have different types of atomizers or use different types of e-liquids, which can affect the vaping experience.

Overall, understanding the components and how vapes work can help you make informed decisions about vaping and reduce the risk of accidents, such as vapes exploding.

Statistics of Vape Explosions

If you’re wondering how common vape explosions are, the answer is that they are relatively rare. However, even a small number of incidents can have serious consequences. Here are some statistics on vape explosions:

Global Statistics

According to a study published in 2020, there were a total of 243 reported cases of e-cigarette explosions and burn injuries between 2009 and 2019. The study found that the majority of the incidents occurred in the United States, but there were also cases reported in other countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

US Statistics

Between 2015 and 2017, more than 2,000 e-cigarette explosion and burn injuries sent users to emergency departments in the United States, according to a CNN report. Injuries resulting from people carrying spare batteries in their pockets are far more common. Regardless of the circumstances, e-cigarette explosions are far more likely to cause injuries today than they were in the past.

It’s important to note that the vast majority of vapers never experience an explosion or other serious incident. However, it’s still important to take precautions to minimize the risk of an incident occurring. This includes using the correct type of battery for your device, avoiding overcharging your battery, and not carrying loose batteries in your pocket.

Causes of Vape Explosions

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When it comes to vape explosions, there are two main causes: battery issues and improper use.

Battery Issues

One of the most common causes of vape explosions is battery issues. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in vape devices, can be dangerous if not handled properly. Here are some of the most common battery issues that can lead to vape explosions:

• Battery damage: If your battery is damaged, it can be more likely to explode. This can happen if you drop your device or if it is exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Battery overcharging: Overcharging your battery can cause it to overheat and potentially explode. Make sure you only charge your device for the recommended amount of time.
• Battery short-circuiting: If the positive and negative ends of your battery touch, it can cause a short circuit. This can lead to overheating and potentially an explosion.

Improper Use

The other main cause of vape explosions is improper use. Here are some of the most common ways that improper use can lead to vape explosions:

• Using the wrong charger: If you use a charger that is not designed for your device, it can cause your battery to overheat and potentially explode.
• Modifying your device: Modifying your device can be dangerous and can increase the risk of an explosion. This includes things like removing safety features or using unapproved parts.
• Carrying loose batteries: If you carry loose batteries in your pocket or purse, they can come into contact with other metal objects and potentially explode.

To avoid vape explosions, it’s important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your device and to handle your batteries with care. If you notice any damage to your battery or device, stop using it immediately and seek professional help.

Preventing Vape Explosions

Vape explosions can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal. However, there are measures you can take to prevent them from happening. Here are some tips:

Safety Measures

• Always use the charger that came with your device. Using a third-party charger can damage your device and increase the risk of explosion.
• Do not leave your device charging unattended. Overcharging the battery can cause it to overheat and explode.
• Keep your device away from extreme temperatures. High temperatures can cause the battery to overheat and explode.
• Avoid dropping or puncturing your device. Damaging the battery or device can increase the risk of explosion.
• Use a case for your device. This can help prevent damage to the battery or device in case of accidental drops or impacts.

Proper Maintenance

• Regularly inspect your device for any signs of damage such as cracks or leaks.
• Replace batteries that are damaged or worn out.
• Do not mix batteries from different manufacturers or with different specifications.
• Use the correct wattage and resistance for your device. Using the wrong wattage or resistance can cause the battery to overheat and explode.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintaining your device.

By following these safety measures and proper maintenance tips, you can reduce the risk of vape explosions and keep yourself safe.

Impact of Vape Explosions

Vape explosions can have serious consequences, both for the health of the user and for legal implications. Here are some of the impacts of vape explosions:

Health Consequences

Vape explosions can cause serious injuries, including burns, shrapnel wounds, and even death. According to a systematic review, incidents of vape explosions were rare, with only 32 recorded cases over the last 10 years. However, the injuries caused by these incidents were often severe and could result in lifelong consequences. In some cases, users have suffered from shattered jaws and lost teeth. The upper leg and lower trunk are the most common areas of the body to be affected by vape explosions.

Legal Implications

Vape explosions can also have legal implications. If a vape explosion causes injury or property damage, the user may be held liable. In some cases, manufacturers and retailers may also be held liable if the vape device was defective or if they failed to provide adequate warnings about the risks of using the device.

The US Fire Administration has counted 195 media reports of exploding vapes between 2009 and 2016. The FDA has also been collecting statistics on vape battery explosions and has asked consumers to share their stories to help identify the causes of these incidents.

In conclusion, vape explosions can have serious consequences for both the health of the user and for legal implications. It is important for users to be aware of the risks and to take precautions to prevent these incidents from occurring.