Have noticed many vaping sceptics seem to like nothing more than to gleefully point out the ‘inherent dangers’ of vaping whenever a vaper unfortunately suffers an accident? Not least when the vaper’s suffered burns due to a device overheating or exploding?
To clarify, the idea of not considering overheating, let alone exploding, devices a serious issue would be foolhardy at best, irresponsible at worst. However, the reality is that, relatively speaking, the number of cases of seriously overheating/ exploding devices (and injuries thereby cause) is far lower than you may have been led to believe.
Moreover, it’s probably fair to say that, in most of these cases, these isolated incidents are caused not because any ‘inherent dangers’ of vaping but because of user error – which often involves the misuse of vape-device batteries.
Batteries carried around loosely
Yes, believe it or not, the majority of so-called vaping explosions happen not because of faulty devices (whether they be e-cig mods London, pods or any other kind of device) but because of the batteries used in those devices – or not in those devices, as the case may be.
Indeed, a fair number of explosive incidents can be attributed to batteries carried loosely in their owners’ pockets and purses. Researchers at the Center for Tobacco Products – part of the United States’ Food and Drug Agency (FDA) – have found that more than three-quarters of burns caused in vape accidents occur to the upper leg (not least in the area of the hip pocket).
Obviously, preventing this from happening is easy; it merely requires placing batteries in the likes of plastic or silicone sleeves. Cheap and often available from vendors when you purchase vape device batteries, they’re very easy for any and every vaper to get their hands on.
Beware bad and counterfeit batteries
It can’t be stressed enough that it’s important to be sure you’re buying good-quality batteries before you commit to a purchase. What’s the danger of not doing so? Batteries are tested against industry safety and quality standards, of course, but on some occasions those that don’t entirely meet standards can be sold on to resellers – who’ll then vend them under a ‘different’ brand name. Faulty batteries are, naturally, dangerous to use in any device, especially a vaping device – so, the message is to always buy your batteries from a trusted, well-reviewed, high-quality retailer.
As noted, then, you might well classify many a low-quality battery as a counterfeit battery – one that’s been rewrapped to suggest is better-quality and carries much higher amperage ratings than is actually the case. Sadly, almost every kind of good-quality, popular battery has been counterfeited at some point.
Charging issues
Finally, you should also be mindful how you charge your batteries – especially in terms of how *long* you charge them. Overcharging is a big no-no when it comes to battery safety, not least if you’ve mistakenly popped a battery into a charger that’s meant for a different battery type. Plus, trying to charge batteries with the wrong charger’s bad news.
In which case, it’s crucial you not only use the right batteries in the right way with your preferred vape device, but also charge them correctly and use other related electronic equipment that’s only designated for your specific device (e.g., only use an IQOS AC power adapter with an actual IQOS device).
Remember… it’s *always* better to be safe than sorry when it comes to vape devices and their batteries.
