E-cigarettes and vape pens have gained popularity in recent years as an alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. Many prefer electronic cigarettes because they purportedly lack the dangerous side effects of tobacco and the distinct smell and taste of cigarettes while still delivering the addictive nicotine buzz that smokers seek. Though many e-cigarette companies promise a “purer” cigarette, people across the country have been put in danger by malfunctioning e-cigarettes.
The Source of Danger: Batteries
Since e-cigarettes came on the market in 2007, many smokers have been severely injured by devices that have exploded or caught fire. There are a variety of reasons these explosions occur, but the most common cause is the batteries that power the devices. The powerful lithium-ion batteries used in e-cigarettes have been known to explode or catch fire when they are overcharged or shorted out. Due to these devices being used in proximity to a person’s face, a malfunctioning battery is likely to cause severe injuries and disfigurement.
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