Some health authorities had suggested that e-cigarettes might be used as part of a smoking cessation programme until such time as a smoker ceased to smoke altogether. As with all things, there are risks and whether the risks were known to the deceased has not been determined. According to reports, a man was killed when a charging e-cigarette exploded. Since January, nine fires involving e-cigarettes have been reported to Merseyside, UK.
Apparently the e-cigarette is said to have ignited oxygen equipment he was believed to have been using. The man was 62 and lived in Wallasey, UK.
“We urge people to always use electrical equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and guidance, always ensure that no electrical items are left charging overnight or left unattended for a long period when being charged, and do not mix parts from different e-cigarettes. Only use the original charger or electrical cables supplied and ensure you purchase electrical items from a reputable source, “said Myles Platt, MFRS Area Manager.
Representatives are speaking to people in the Wallasey area to advise them on the proper use of e-cigarettes.
According to BBC reports, “The subsequent fire investigation identified that an e-cigarette that had been charging in the bedroom exploded, caught fire and ignited the oxygen tube of an oxygen concentrator, which may have been in use by the occupier,” he added.
“The investigation into the cause of this fire is continuing but at this stage it is thought that the charging device being used at the time may not have been the one supplied with the e-cigarette,” said Platt.
