People have been warned about the potential dangers of vaping (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Vapers issued warning on Halloween and Bonfire Night due to potential risks

by · Daily Record

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Over five million Brits are believed to use vapes, but many are unaware of the hidden dangers they present.

Not only can they harm your health, but they also pose other risks, with warnings issued for people to stay vigilant during Halloween and Bonfire Night.

In the next few days, many of us will be attending firework-related events. However, despite the excitement of these celebrations, experts as reported by the Mirror, warn that vapes could be a fire safety risk due to their highly flammable nature.

There's been an increase in counterfeit or faulty vaping products, which can especially pose a fire risk. To help e-cigarette users take the right precautions this Bonfire Night, David Phillips, from Vape Superstore, has listed six ways to stay safe from fire hazards.

If you want to ensure the safety of yourself and your family during the festivities, it's vital to follow these simple guidelines. Always keep your vape close to prevent accidental fires.

Bonfire Night increases the safety risk of leaving disposable vapes lying around

Store it safely

In situations near fire, it's recommended to store your vape in a protective, fireproof case.

Avoid keeping the vape in the same pocket as keys, coins or other metallic items, which could cause a short circuit. Whenever possible, try to keep it in your jacket's inner pocket, away from direct heat.

Avoid exposed flames

The heat from fire, fireworks or sparklers could inadvertently set vapes alight, particularly those with lithium-ion batteries. Subjecting a vape to high temperatures can also cause the battery to overheat or malfunction.

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It's advisable to handle your vape separately and never leave it near a heat source where it could ignite from hot embers.

Check its condition

Now is an opportune time to check if your vape is in good condition or is counterfeit. Examine your device for any visible damage, especially to the battery or charging port.

If it is damaged, refrain from bringing the vape close to heat sources, as it could heighten the risk of causing a fire. .

Batteries recommended by the manufacturer are best to use. Steer clear of using cheap, unregulated batteries, which carry a higher risk of malfunction due to their propensity to overheat and short circuit because of poor quality control.

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Counterfeit vapes have also been notorious for batteries exploding so it's crucial to inspect the vape for misspelled branding, missing safety labels, unusually low prices or unfamiliar packaging. .

Ensure that your vape isn't leaking e-liquid. These liquids evaporate easily and can ignite if they come into contact with a heat source or open flame.

Charge it fully

Ensure your vape is fully charged before you head out. This will prevent the need to charge it at the bonfire or in your car, as portable chargers can cause electrical issues in cold or wet conditions, increasing the risk of fire.

Once your vape is fully charged, switch it off to avoid overheating or battery damage.

Dispose of them correctly

Disposable vapes are popular but often disposed of incorrectly. Keep them away from bonfires or open flames, as the lithium-ion battery can explode in intense heat.

Instead, take apart the vape to separate non-plastic waste, remove residue, and recycle each component. Don't just chuck it in a regular waste bin.

The issue has sparked much debate online, with a viral video by lawyer @_tigertalks warning that vapes can "literally explode", albeit rarely. In the clip, he explains: "It happens because of faulty lithium ion batteries that are contained in every one of these products. Lithium iron batteries are made up of combustible chemicals, called irons, separated by a thin porous film between the positive and negative electrode.

"If defective, this film separating the chemicals might fail, allowing the chemicals to combine too quickly, and the rapid combination of chemicals causes heat, which builds pressure, which causes fires and explosions."

Vapes can explode due to user ignorance about batteries, improper storage, sunlight exposure, or a poorly fitting charger - all of which can cause overheating.

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