We are sad to report another vape tragedy. Although we hasten to add we are not saying all vapes are dangerous. The device in question had a mechanical vape mod that overrode the safety system. However this serves to alert us that e-cigarettes are still unregulated. Therefore we write this post to inform the public.
How a Mechanical Vape Bypasses Safety Systems
Vapers are simple, lithium-ion battery-powered devices. Pressing a button sends energy from the battery to the atomizer which releases the vapor. A safety system on a conventional vaper shuts down if the device overheats to prevent a battery explosion. However, a mechanical vape mod bypasses this feature.
The only warnings users get of their devices overheating is when they press them to their mouths with their hands. The 24-year-old victim was in his auto outside a vape store then his vape exploded. The shattered fragments of the mechanical vape mod apparently tragically ended his young life. Ironically he had gone to the store to seek advice. A police investigation is ongoing.
Fortunately, Consumer Interest in Mechanical Vapes is Waning
Similar incidents have caused a collapse of interest in these mechanical vape mods. The Verge reports “more and more vape shops are declining to even sell them.” It’s an open question why they are still on the market at all.
A year ago the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine expressed an opinion. “There is conclusive evidence that e-cigarette devices can explode and cause burns and projectile injuries,” they said. The italics are theirs. “Such risk is significantly increased when batteries are of poor quality, stored improperly, or modified by users,” they added.
The US Fire Administration previously reported 195 incidents of exploding vapes between 2009 and 2016. However, as previously mentioned we are not suggesting that all vapes are dangerous. We just think it’s time for federal regulation.
Related:
Treat Vapers and Their Batteries with Respect
Breaking News of Latest E-Cigarette Lawsuit
Preview Image: E-cigarette Convention in the US
