Further perspectives on burns from E-cigarette battery explosions: a public health concern
Published Date: 04th May 2022
Publication Authors: Stone S, Cappuyns L, Philip L, Gurusinghe D, Shokrollahi K
Poster presentation for the BBA Annual Meeting, May 2022. Full conference programme available here: https://www.britishburnassociation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/BBA-Bristol-4-6.5.22-Full-Programme-.pdf
Introduction
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are a fairly recent invention which substitutes conventional cigarettes. The use of e-cigarettes is on the rise as these devices are often marketed as being a safer alternative to cigarettes. The dangers of injury from explosions are often not specified. E-cigarette battery explosions have been reported to cause burn injuries of varying severity and even death. Several case series, including systematic reviews have been published. We present the largest case series so far to our knowledge treated at Mersey Burn Centre.
Aim
To evaluate e-cigarette burns treated at Whiston Hospital and identify any salient issues and points of potential intervention to reduce injury.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted by reviewing electronic records of e-cigarette burns in the patient database at Mersey burns centre. A total of 33 burns related to e-cigarette explosions were identified between 2015 and 2020.
Conclusions
We have demonstrated numerous injuries to patients from use of these devices. Furthermore, there is a need to raise awareness on the dangers of e-cigarettes, and in particular the potential for short-circuit due to contact of batteries with keys or loose change. This is not a well-recognised or publicised danger, and our study shines a new light on this particular issue. Manufacturers in particular can do more to improve the design and safety of e-cigarettes, and raise public awareness.
Stone, S; Cappuyns, L; Liby Philip, Gurusinghe, D; Kayvan Shokrollahi. (2022). Further perspectives on burns from E-cigarette battery explosions: a public health concern. Conference poster from British Burns Association Annual Meeting, 4th-6th May 2022.
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