Last July 29, a man suffered first-degree burns and other injuries when his e-cigarette blew up in his face. James Lauria, a 23-year-old from Cobb County, Ga., said that he had just stepped out from work to take a small smoke break when the accident happened.
"I'm at work and things quieted down and I stepped away for a second like I always do," said Lauria. "Next thing I know, it exploded and I was on my way to a hospital in an ambulance, and that is the last thing I remember."
Lauria was taken to the burn unit at the University of Alabama as his condition was so severe, it put him in a coma and he required extensive care.
Lauria's parents were shocked by the extensive injuries their son suffered. His father said that the e-cigarette explosion had burned a hole in his pallet, damaging some of his lower teeth and forcing one tooth deeply into his gums. Lauria also suffered from first degree burns to the face, chest and hands, and had to be treated by ophthalmologists for his burnt corneas.
"It hurt to see him with a tube and all," his mother said. She reportedly had to see her son needing sedation as well as restraints to facilitate his recovery.
Lauria is not the only one of late to suffer injuries due to e-cigarettes. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, at least 25 incidents of injuries and fires caused by e-cigarettes were reported from 2009 to 2014. No deaths were recorded, though a few incidents resulted in serious injuries. A 57-year-old man from Florida also had his face burned due to his e-cigarette blowing up from a faulty battery. A 17-year-old from Anaheim had his hand burned badly when his e-cigarette suddenly exploded.
The damaged e-cigarettes are currently being investigated to see what could have triggered the explosions. Lauria's cigarette is with South Walton's Fire and Rescue Department.
Six weeks after the incident, Lauria is now conscious and recovering but is still sticking to a liquid diet and speaking with a lisp. However, he and his family are willing to speak up in the hopes of preventing others from enduring a similar fate.
"Us getting the word out prevents e-cigarettes from injuring another person," Lauria's father said, something he added would be a good thing to do at this time.
Photo: Vaping 360 | Flickr
