Thermal and chemical burns caused by e-cigarette battery explosions

Area of Science:

• Trauma Surgery
• Burn Management
• Materials Science

Background:

• E-cigarettes are a common alternative to traditional cigarettes.
• Explosive accidents involving e-cigarettes are increasing.
• Understanding these burns is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the origins of e-cigarette burn injuries.
• To define management principles for e-cigarette burns.
• To analyze a series of sixteen consecutive cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of e-cigarette burn cases from April 2014 to May 2019.
• Collected data on patient demographics, burn circumstances, treatment, and follow-up.
• Reviewed sixteen cases referred to a specialized burn center.

Main Results:

• Sixteen male patients (average age 41) sustained second or third-degree burns from e-cigarette explosions.
• Average burn size was 5% TBSA, affecting hands, buttocks, thorax, thighs, and genitals, often linked to pocket location.
• Eight patients experienced increased pain post-cooling, suggesting lithium-ion contamination; six required surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• E-cigarette burns involve both thermal and chemical mechanisms from lithium-ion battery explosions.
• Carrying e-cigarettes in pockets is a significant risk factor, particularly for males.
• Early debridement is advised; initial cooling may be ineffective or painful.