Are Vape Pens Safe? Understanding the Risks and How to Stay Safe

As vaping has gained popularity, a common concern that arises is the safety of vape pens. Specifically, there is a fear that these devices could explode. This article explores the risks associated with vape pens, particularly focusing on battery malfunctions and explosions, and provides guidance on how to ensure a safe vaping experience.

The Risks of Vape Pen Battery Explosions

Battery explosions in vape pens can be attributed to a variety of factors, including improper use, operational errors, and the inherent risks of certain designs. One of the primary causes of these incidents is the improper charging of batteries using damaged chargers or overcharging. Additionally, the use of poorly manufactured or incompatible parts can further increase the risk of explosions.

Historical Context and Seriation

From 2010 to 2014, the era of stacked-battery mechanical mods (mechmods) was particularly dangerous. These mod devices used stainless steel tubes with no gas vents and no electronic controls, often running plain Li-ion cells before Li-Mn and hybrid cells became prevalent. These early mechmods were essentially "pipe bombs," primarily due to the lack of safety features and gas vents. During this period, about 20 of these mechmods exploded, causing significant injuries and fires.

Manufacturing Variations and Safety Measures

Some manufacturers included gas vents in their device designs, reducing the risk of explosions. Despite these measures, many continued to produce unsafe devices, leading to numerous incidents. For example, one famous mechmod company added a single gas vent at the bottom, resulting in their mods flying around a room and spreading fire.

Types of Mechmod Risks

The risks associated with mechmods can be categorized based on the device design:

Heavy Alloy Models: These models expanded slightly, blew the switch out, and could burn people's hands but did not explode like the Silver Bullet models. Silver Bullet Models: These models acted as mortar projectile tubes, exploded, and caused serious injury. However, they were popular and defended fanatically by users, who often blamed the users for mishandling the devices. Stainless Steel Models: These models were the worst, acting as mortar projectile tubes and causing significant injury. Despite their popularity, they were highly dangerous and exploded, often leading to facial injuries.

Modern Vape Pencils and Box Mods

Modern vape pens, including APVs (advanced personal vaporizers), have electronic controls and are generally safer than mechmods. However, they are not without their risks. To minimize the risks, it is crucial to use compatible parts, avoid overcharging, and ensure proper battery maintenance.

Best Practices for Safe Vaping

To stay safe while vaping:

Avoid Stacking Batteries: Use a single 18650, 26650, or other battery type. Never use two cells in series as this increases the risk of explosions. Purchase Quality Batteries: Always use batteries from reputable vendors with a known brand. Beware of re-wrapped or re-labeled batteries purchased from untrustworthy sources. Ensure Proper Usage: Always use the correct battery orientation to avoid bypassing safety features. Incorporate Safety Vents: Devices with safety vents are safer. Ensure that your device has adequate gas vents to release built-up pressure.

The inherent risk of a mechanical modification (mecmod) is always higher than that of an electronic management device (APV). While it is impossible to eliminate all risk, adherence to safe practices can greatly reduce the likelihood of an incident.

Conclusion

Vape pen safety is not only about the device itself, but also about how it is used and maintained. By understanding the risks and following best practices, vapers can minimize the risk of battery explosions and enjoy a safer vaping experience. It's important to always consider safety first and avoid any behavior that could compromise the integrity of the device.