The Dangers of E-Cigarette Vape Battery Explosions

Don’t Get Burned By An Exploding E-Cigarette Vape Battery

As the use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and other forms of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) increase, so does the risk of getting burned by an exploding battery that powers these devices. Although the number of explosions compared to the number of people using these electronic products is small, when they do occur, serious injuries including severe burns and scarring frequently occurs.

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends following these tips to lessen the risk of explosion and your risk of getting burned when using one of these electronic devices:

• READ and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the proper use and care of your device. Contact the manufacturer directly if directions are not included with your device.
• NEVER modify or change the device in any way.
• Choose devices that contain safety features such as fire button locks, battery vent holes, and built-in safeguards against overcharging the device.
• NEVER disable safety features on the device.
• NEVER charge your device with a smartphone or tablet charger; charge your device only with the original charger that came with the device.
• Charge only on a flat, clean and dry surface, away from anything flammable.
• NEVER charge overnight or leave your device charging without supervision.
• Immediately replace the device batteries if they get wet or are damaged in any way.
• Do NOT expose devices to temperature extremes, either hot or cold.

Vape Batteries

Use only batteries specifically recommended or made for your particular device. Do not mix old and new batteries or batteries of different brands. It is also extremely important to keep loose batteries secured in a case away from other metal objects such as keys or coins.

Reporting E-Cig Problems to the FDA

The FDA was not granted regulatory authority over these electronic devices until August 2016 so it is working overtime collecting data on safety issues in order to protect device users and those around them.

The FDA is not only interested in finding out about explosions, but also if you suffer any health or safety problems caused by e-cigarettes, vapes, or other forms of electronic nicotine delivery devices. Please report any explosions, or health or safety problems, to the FDA and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Safety Reporting Portal (SRP) for Tobacco Products at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov/SRP2/en/Home.aspx?sid=b5296ecc-8a34-4b7f-bc2e-6ae61d244ca5.

If you encounter problems with reporting through the above link, you may either call 877-CTP-1373 or send an email to AskCTP@FDA.hhs.gov.