Can Vapes Explode? [Possible Reasons, Preventions, and Regulations]

The increasing popularity of vapes in recent years is undeniable. Many smokers have turned to using vapes as an alternative to traditional smoking. However, despite the sleek design of the devices, there are concerns regarding the risk of vape explosions.

Several incidents of vape explosions, though relatively rare, take the attention of many smokers and nonsmokers. These explosions cause severe injuries like burns, facial trauma, and even loss of teeth. So, it is important to understand why the explosion happening and how to minimize the risk.

So, let’s dive into the blog to explore the causes of vape explosions, the types of devices prone to exploding, incidents resulting from the explosion, and safety measures to protect yourself.

Highlights: Vape Explosion Vape explosions are relatively rare, but the consequences of the explosion can be severe. Battery malfunctions, device defects, and user error can be the primary reasons for unexpected incidents. The manufacturers and the regulators work together to reduce the risk. The vape explosion not only caused physical injuries but also emotional trauma and financial hardship.

Vape Explosions: A Closer Look

While vape explosions are  not common incidents, there is a chance if they happen, it can have severe consequences. It may seriously hurt people. So, understanding the core reasons for these explosions can prevent risky accidents. 

1. Battery Malfunction
   Battery malfunction is one of the leading causes of vape explosions. Lithium-polymer and lithium-ion batteries, which are also used in laptops and cell phones, are used in vapes. These batteries are commonly safe, but the main issue is that manufacturers use low-quality. They do it to save money. As a result, batteries face internal short circuits and overheating, which leads to explosions.

2. Overcharging or Using The Wrong Charger
   Another reason vapes explode is the common practice of overcharging. When a vape is charged beyond capacity, it starts overheating, causing a chemical reaction, and then the blast happens. Similarly, using the wrong or inadequate chargers can cause malfunctions.

3. Physical Damage
   When someone is new to vaping, they are unfamiliar with the vape functions. They don’t really know about the power or temperature settings. Inexperienced vapers can create explosions by dropping, overheating coils, or using the wrong temperature. So, technical knowledge is required before you start using mechanical vapes. 

4. Manufacturing Defects
   In rare cases, faulty construction leads to unwanted incidents—for example, mislabeled vapes. Manufacturers often don’t give precise instructions on the battery or other parts, so users unknowingly operate the vapes at higher power levels, risking an explosion.

Statistics and Incidents: What Do They Say

It can be difficult to determine the exact number of vape explosion incidents due to underreporting. However, as we have researched, the news reports and the accidents provide ample evidence.

1. Date Scarcity

While specific statistics are limited, the U.S. Fire Administration says in one of their reports that fire incidents through vapes are rare. On the other hand, another study shows between the years 2015 and 2017, there were 2000 ER visits because of burn injuries caused by e-cigarette explosions. (Source: Exploding vapes and e-cigarettes causing burn injuries)

Disclaimer: The graph below shows the reports from 2009 to 2016 in the USA. (Source: Electronic Cigarette Fires and Explosions in the United States 2009-2016)

The study shows that between 2009 and 2016, the U.S. saw 195 e-cigarette fires and explosions. If we put it in percentages, the percentage will be 68. In the report, 68% of acute to  133 injuries were reported. The spreadsheet named Figure 4 shows the severity of the 133 injuries. 

• Thirty-eight of the incidents resulted in victims being hospitalized, suffering severe burns, and sustaining facial injuries, leading to the loss of body parts.
• Eighty of the victims of the incident were taken to the emergency room due to second-degree burns and requiring stitches.
  

The following graph, figure 7, indicates how the number of vape explosions increases each year. 2016 saw the most explosions, with 98 of them.

The illustration of Figure 3 shows how e-cigarettes were used when these incidents happened.

• A 17-year-old from Nevada got his teeth broken and shattered his jaw because of exploding vaping while smoking. He got two surgeries and six weeks to heal from the injuries. (Source:  e-cigarettes explode teen| CNN)
• A 24-year-old man from Texas died from a torn carotid artery caused by an exploding vape pen. (Source: A man dies after his e-cigarette explodes in his face)
• A 40-year-old man from Australia suffered third-degree burns on his arms and left leg after a vape in his pocket caught fire. (Source: Man left with third-degree burn after vape explodes |9News)
• A 38-year-old man from Florida died after a vape exploded right in front of his face. (Source: Man dies in e-cigarette explosion, police say | CNN)
• A woman named Ginger Titus survived a vape explosion after finishing inhaling it. (Source: Temple, Texas woman pushing for change after vape explosion | kcentv.com)

Types of Vapes and Their Safety

As vaping is gaining popularity, it is also raising concerns about its safety. So, understanding the different types of vapes makes it easier to detect the risks. 

Different Types of Vapes

1. Mods: Mods are customizable vape devices with various control settings, including wattage, temperature, and airflow. They require technical knowledge to use.
2. Vape Pens: Vape pens are similar to traditional cigarettes. These are prefilled or refillable with an attached battery and atomizer. You can use them very easily without any complexity,
3. Pod System: One of the compact designs in vape types. They also come as pre-filled or refillable pods. You can carry them as you want; they are easy to use. 

Safety Comparison

Below are the types of vape devices that are more likely to explode and the reasons why:

Mods	Vape Pens	Pod System
Mods are famous for their control feature. But still, they pose higher risks. Improper use, incompatible batteries, or faulty components can lead to an explosion.	Vape pens are considered safer than mods because of their simple design. However, they can malfunction if they are not used correctly or if the battery is damaged.	The pod system is the safest option for vapers. Although its built-in safety features help prevent risks, it isn’t entirely risk-free.

Preventing Vape Explosions

Here are the things you can do religiously to prevent your vape from exploding or getting damaged. 

1. Proper Usage and Handling

• Always use the correct charger: First, do not use any random charger to charge your vape. This might seem normal, but the device starts overheating when you use a common charger. Using a charger that is especially for the vape will reduce the potential explosions.
• Avoid overcharging: Leaving your vape to charge overnight can significantly harm your battery capacity. It damages the battery and increases the risk of explosion. Always read the manufacturer’s charging guidelines; they mention the specific charger limit for your vape model. 

Handle with care: One of the essential things you can do is avoid dropping or subjecting your vape device to physical impact. This includes daily maintenance, checking the batteries, coils, and restoring internal components. 

2. Battery Safety Tips

• It is highly recommended to use batteries offered by manufacturers. They will suggest batteries that go well with your vape type. As we mentioned earlier, using incompatible batteries or chargers poses the most safety hazards.

• Another suggestion is to avoid cheap or counterfeit batteries. These batteries lack standard safety measures. They will mostly fail after a couple of usages and get overheated unnecessarily.
  

3. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

• Check for signs of wear and tear: You should regularly check your vape devices for damage. With regular inspection, you can find any cracks, discoloration, or leakage.
• Clean the device regularly: It is crucial to maintain the cleanliness of the vape. Any dirt or debris can harm the device's performance and lead to malfunctions.
• Charge your vape in a safe location: We suggest you charge your vape in a dry place. The vape packaging mentions not charging your vape on flammable surfaces or near heat sources.
• Know the signs of overheating: Pay attention to your vape when you inhale. If your vape gets unusually hot, stop using it immediately.

What to Do If Your Vape Explodes?

There are a few steps you can immediately follow if you encounter a vape explosion. Try to follow these steps to protect yourself from further harm.

Step 01: First, ensure your safety. Move to a safe location away from the explosion. Take a good look at your body for any injuries. If you have any, rush to an emergency service immediately. Step 02: If there is any fire, immediately use an extinguisher. If you can't find an extinguisher, try to smooth out the flame with a blanket or non-flammable material and ventilate the area as soon as possible. Step 03: Seeking medical help is the first and foremost thing. It doesn’t matter if the wound is minor or major; take yourself or others for medical assistance. You can take photos of the injuries for medical purposes or to hold legal action. Step 04: Contact the vape manufacturers and provide them with all the details about the explosion, the devices' defects, and the injuries that were caused. Step 05: Lastly, report to the relevant authorities. Depending on the severity, you can also repost it to the local fire or consumer protection agency. You can also keep the evidence, such as packaging, device, and receipt, to take legal action.

Regulatory Standards and Safety Certifications

1. Industry Regulation

Since the vaping industry is snowballing, and to promote health and safety, regulations governing are restricting and keeping a watch on vaping manufacturers. However, these regulations vary widely between countries. 

• United States: The FDA has implemented regulations, such as age restrictions and premarket tobacco product applications, to strengthen the safety standard for vape devices and accessories. 
• Europe: The European Union, like the USA, has strict restrictions on e-cigarettes. It has implemented mandatory safety testing, child-resistant packaging, and standard nicotine-strength labeling. 
  

2. Safety Certifications to Look For

This isn’t foolproof, but specific certifications ensure a higher level of product safety:

• CE Mark: This certificate indicates that a product maintains EU safety, health, and environmental requirements.
• UL Certifications: The full form of UL is Underwriter Laboratories. It is a certificate for products that have passed rigorous safety testing. 
• FDA Registration: Although they don’t guarantee safety, the registration requires the products to meet certain requirements.
• ISO Certifications: The well-known International Organization for Standardization (ISO) management certification provides additional assurance about a product's safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vapes explode in your pocket?

Yes, but it is rare. Most of the incidents showed the loose batteries, not the device itself.

What are the chances of a vape exploding?

The chances are very low. The risks increase when the vape device is improperly used, low-quality batteries are used, or the device is damaged.

How can I tell if my vape battery is safe?

Inspect regularly for leakage or unusual heat coming from the vape. To keep your vape safe, avoid using cheap batteries.

What should I do if my vape starts to overheat?

If you feel your vape is overheating, stop using it instantly and let it cool down thoroughly before you check for damage.

Are there any brands known for safer vapes?

The reputed vape brands try to ensure safety. What you can do is look for a vape that has safety certifications.

The Final Verdict

While vaping can be enjoyable, it also carries significant risks. Although vape explosions are not common, manufacturers now put a lot of effort into creating safe vapes. It is your responsibility to prioritize buying high-quality vapes and following the guidelines that come with them. We recommend VapeDeal, an authentic vape retailer that sells vapes with proper safety precautions. Check out their website to see if you like their products.