The Southwest UK Burns Network (SWUK) experience of electronic cigarette explosions and review of literature

Oropharyngeal Injury From Spontaneous Combustion of a Lithium‐ion Battery: A Case Report

“…Lithium‐ion batteries have garnered significant media attention due to burn‐related injuries occurring after spontaneous combustion. A growing literature of multiple case reports and series have reported injuries from spontaneous combustion of lithium‐ion batteries . Although injuries are most commonly reported with use of vape and e‐cigarette devices, lithium‐ion batteries are also prevalent in many other commonly utilized portable electronic and implantable medical devices, including flashlights, watches, digital cameras, cellular phones, hearing aids, and pacemakers.…”

“…A review of the literature identified that all reported cases of injuries are associated with electronic cigarettes (Table ). Since the advent of electronic cigarettes in 2003 in China, the number of injuries attributed to their use continues to rise . More recently, a new classification system was proposed based on mechanism of injury secondary to e‐cigarette combustions .…”

“…Since the advent of electronic cigarettes in 2003 in China, the number of injuries attributed to their use continues to rise. 5 More recently, a new classification system was proposed based on mechanism of injury secondary to ecigarette combustions. 9 This case report is the first to report explosive injury to the upper aerodigestive tract secondary to spontaneous combustion of a lithium-ion battery in a flashlight.…”

Too Hot to Handle? When Vaporizers Explode

“…2,3 Yet, in the pediatric literature, little attention has been drawn to the risk of ENDS blast injuries. [4][5][6][7][8] Device fires and explosions may occur when the lithium ion battery that powers the device short circuits. Short circuits can occur with overheating (>150°F), water exposure, excessive charging, improper charging with incompatible devices, contact with metallic objects, or physical battery damage.…”

“…10 Owing to the alkaline environment created by the initial injury, a case series suggests the appropriate agent for initial wound irrigation is mineral oil. 6,8 Surgical debridement is the definitive treatment for injuries and should remove any remaining alkaline material from tissues. We recommend delaying water-based irrigation until after surgical debridement, at which time it can be used safely.…”