E-cigarettes are a popular alternative to cigarettes. Many people choose e-cigarettes over traditional cigarettes because they don’t contain tobacco.
While there are no long-term studies that compare the health effects of e-cigarettes vs. traditional cigarettes-mostly because e-cigarettes are a relatively new technology-there is one area where e-cigarettes are proving much more dangerous: The risk of explosion.
Many people believe that e-cigarette explosions are rare, but a new study shows that reports of these explosions are vastly underestimated.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that between 2015 and 2017, a total of 2,035 individuals sought treatment for e-cigarette explosion injuries. This is 40 times more than what has been reported by the FDA, and 15 times more than what was reported by the U.S. Fire administration.
Why the discrepancy?
Experts believe that the lack of accurate surveilling of these cases is to blame. No group is actively monitoring the number of injuries caused by e-cigarettes. Because of the CPSC study, we now know that these injuries are, in fact, more common than previously reported.
E-cigarette explosions can cause devastating injuries. Often, the e-cigarette will explode in the user’s pocket, causing burn injuries to the leg. But an e-cigarette can also explode while being used. This can cause serious injuries to the mouth and face, including tooth loss, lip injuries, blindness, and more.
In May, the first known death due to an e-cigarette explosion occurred. A 38-year-old man died after an e-cigarette exploded in his face. He was found with injuries to his top lip and burns on other areas of his body.
Users should be aware of the risks associated with e-cigarette use. Manufacturers of these devices should be held responsible when their faulty products cause serious injuries or deaths.
Free consultation: The law firm of Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner represents individuals who have been injured due to defective e-cigarettes. Call (713) 222-7211.