E-Cigarettes May Not Be Such a Safe Alternative

I have many friends and family members who smoke. I tried it once when I was in my 20's and after I gagged and coughed for what seemed like forever, I never touched a cigarette again. But it's a tough habit to break and my hat goes off to those who are able to kick the habit.

Some are turning to e-cigarettes as a healthier alternative. Plus, they don't have that cigarette smell, they cost less, they don't contain as many chemicals as cigarettes do, society looks on them in a better light than cigarettes, and they seem to be safer. Recently though, growing reports of explosions and fires caused by e-cigarettes are making folks think twice.

According to NBC7, the most recent explosion involved a San Diego man who was badly burned on Monday when his e-cigarette exploded causing glass in the store to shatter as well. Just 2 weeks ago,the FAA issued a safety bulletin suggesting that airlines ban passengers from placing e-cigarettes in their checked baggage after a few incidents of fires were reported in the planes' baggage holds believed to be started by e-cigarettes.They suggest they be placed in the carry on luggage instead.

While e-cigarette companies and advocates suggest that these are the result of user error and that cigarettes are far more of a fire hazard citing that they cause  thousands of house fires every year, it is something to keep in mind. Following the directions, not trying to modify or re-build your e-cigarette, and not switching original and aftermarket batteries, heating elements, and vaporizing components could also keep the risk of fire and explosions down.