Sound the Alarm: Proper Vape Care to Prevent "Ferocious" Fires
Households alerted regarding common vaping error leading to intense, toxic blazes that are scarcely extinguishable
Are you a vape enthusiast? Beware the perils that come with mishandling your device! The lithium batteries inside vapes can have a severe chemical reaction if treated recklessly, as warned by fire safety experts.
Negligence like throwing them around, dropping them excessively, or keeping them in pockets can lead to battery damage over time. Giuseppe Capanna, a product safety expert at Electrical Safety First, explains, "If a vape fails and catches fire, burns are not uncommon due to their compact size."
When a vape is substandard, exposed to high temperatures, short circuits, or becomes damaged, it can cause a toxic fire dubbed as thermal runway. This process generates high heat rapidly, leading to intense fires.
Avoid these risks by treating your vape with care:
- Refrain from careless throwing, which may damage the battery over time.
- Use a compatible charger for your device.
- Keep vapes away from heat sources and high-temperature zones.
- Protect your vape from getting wet.
Following a government ban on single-use vapes due to environmental concerns and a rise in youth vaping, it's essential to prioritize proper vape care. Disposing of vapes incorrectly can be disastrous. For instance, incorrectly disposing of a vape in your household bin risks triggering waste collection fires that release toxic fumes.
To avoid this, either check if your local retailer offers a take-back scheme or find your nearest recycling center that accepts battery-powered devices. Vape-related fires have been on the rise in the UK, primarily due to the incorrect disposal of vapes, especially when the lithium batteries become crushed in waste collection vehicles.
Lithium batteries contain a lot of energy in a small space and can spark fires if crushed or damaged. Since 2020, the London Fire Brigade has been called out to 41 vape-related fires, causing significant damage in homes, shops, and even hospitals.
Don't let vape-related accidents ruin your day (or your home). Make sure you practice proper vape care and disposal to ensure a safe vaping experience. For additional safety measures, consult your fire department or a product safety expert for advice.
Insights from Enrichment:
- Mishandling of vapes, such as exposure to extreme temperatures, can lead to uncontrollable heat generation and potential explosions or fires.
- Faulty internal components or damage can trigger overheating and subsequent fires.
- Habitual misuse, like storing vapes in pockets with metal objects, poses significant risks.
- To reduce the risk of vape-related fires, store vapes away from heat sources, handle them with care, avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, and protect exposed battery terminals during storage or disposal.
- Properly dispose of lithium-ion batteries in designated facilities and stay informed about safe use and disposal practices to mitigate potential risks.
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Treat your gadgets with care to prevent potential accidents. Wearables like vapes can cause fires when exposed to extreme temperatures, damaged, or stored improperly. Always store them away from heat sources, protect them from water, and use the right charging cable.
