The Hidden Personal Injury Hazards of E-Cigarettes and Other Vaping Devices

E-Cigarettes and other personal vaporizers, or “vaping” devices, have really caught on as an allegedly safer alternative to tobacco smoking. Here in Maryland, vape shops, as the retail outlets that sell these devices are popularly known, have popped up all over the place.

Sadly, evidence is emerging that vaping really isn’t all that safe. Aside from the fact that most electronic cigarettes and other vaping devices deliver nicotine and many of its attendant hazards, there’s ample data showing that …

• vaping can expose one to cancer-causing formaldehyde,
• vaping, like tobacco smoking, can increase one’s risk of developing gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis,
• vaping can produce chronic dry mouth as well, which may not seem much of a problem – until you consider that dry mouth significantly increases the chance of tooth decay, and
• the amount of nicotine in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices is sufficient enough to slow the body’s blood flow, very likely causing receding gum lines and tooth loss.

As if those potential health risks weren’t enough, there are physical dangers as well. For example, the lithium-ion batteries used in electronic cigarettes have been known to explode, causing severe injuries. The USFA (U.S. Fire Administration) cautions that many of these explosions occur not only when a vaping device is being used, but also when it’s stored in a pocket. The number of such incidents with e-cigs has grown over the last eight to ten years, too, so the danger is clearly real.

Have you been injured by an exploding e-cigarette or some other vaping device? Good news: You have an advocate in Maryland. Attorney Jobeth Bowers of Bowers Law Baltimore is a skilled personal injury lawyer experienced in handling cases of injury by e-cigarette, personal vaporizer (VP), or electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). Call him today at 410-975-7000 or otherwise contact Bowers Law Baltimore for a free consultation. Jobeth will evaluate your case thoroughly and apprise you of your rights to compensation for your injuries.