Electronic nicotine delivery systems: overheating, fires and explosions.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Consumer Product Safety
• Tobacco Control

Background:

• Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) have been associated with overheating, fire, and explosion (OH/F/EXP) events since 2009.
• These events pose significant risks to public safety and property.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency and characteristics of ENDS-related OH/F/EXP events in the United States.
• To analyze the sources and completeness of reported ENDS OH/F/EXP events.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search was conducted across five US federal agencies, scientific literature, and media reports.
• Data from 100 reference sources were analyzed to identify and characterize ENDS OH/F/EXP events.

Main Results:

• 92 ENDS OH/F/EXP events were identified in the USA, with 49% resulting in injuries and 73% causing property damage.
• Events were reported through media outlets (54%) and to federal agencies (46%).
• Reporting rates showed peaks in late 2013 and mid-2015, with all reports being incomplete.

Conclusions:

• The full scope and causes of ENDS OH/F/EXP events are not yet fully understood.
• Some events have led to severe injuries and substantial property damage, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.
• Improved and more comprehensive reporting systems are crucial for identifying root causes and implementing effective risk mitigation strategies.