Thigh burns from exploding e-cigarette lithium ion batteries: First case series

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.…”

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.…”

“…One report also suggests probing wounds with litmus paper, and avoiding water washes if the pH is alkaline. 8 Consultation with a local poison control center is recommended.…”

Analysis of Manufacturing-Induced Defects and Structural Deformations in Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Computed Tomography

“…With the spread of e-cigarette usage, numerous e-cigarette-related fire and explosion incidents have come to surface. In particular, from August 2009 to January 2017, there have been more than 200 e-cigarette explosions reported worldwide, with nearly 100 incidents in 2016 alone [47]. Defective and substandard lithium-ion batteries are considered to be the main causes for these incidents.…”