That slick vape in your pocket might be a lot more dangerous than it looks, according to Houston burn specialists who are sounding the alarm over a rise in brutal, sometimes life-altering injuries linked to vaping devices. In recent weeks, doctors at local burn centers have treated patients with deep thermal and chemical burns after batteries inside vape devices suddenly ignited. The failures often strike without warning when a device overheats in a pocket or bag.
In an interview with Click2Houston, Dr. Ludwik Branski of Shriners Children’s Texas said he has recently seen more patients with injuries directly tied to vape batteries. “Some of them are really cheaply made, and people have them burn and explode in their pockets,” Branski told the station. He said the burns often hit the upper leg and groin and frequently require surgical reconstruction.
How batteries fail and who is most at risk
Experts point to lithium-ion cells overheating, short circuits, and damaged or counterfeit batteries as common triggers for what is known as thermal runaway. The American Burn Association’s vaping safety guidance lists improper charging, exposure to heat, counterfeit batteries, and device modification as key risk factors for fires and explosions. A 2018 review in ScienceDirect found many injuries occurred when batteries ignited in a pant pocket, concentrating damage to the lower trunk and upper legs.
What regulators recommend
The FDA advises using only the charger that came with a device, charging on a visible hard surface, and unplugging once the device is fully charged in order to avoid overcharging. The agency also warns against charging near flammable gases and urges consumers to report fires or explosions through its Safety Reporting Portal. Until stronger and more consistent safety standards are in place, regulators say users’ best protection is careful handling and following manufacturers’ instructions.
Treatment and long-term impact
Burn specialists caution that injuries from vape battery failures can run deep and may require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long rehabilitation. Shriners Children’s Texas, where Dr. Branski practices, treats severe burn wounds and emphasizes scar management and rehabilitation for children and adults. Patients can face multiple operations and months of physical therapy to recover function and reduce disfigurement.
Practical safety checklist for vapers and parents
Use only the charger made for your device, keep the device in sight while it is plugged in, and unplug as soon as charging finishes. Never charge on soft surfaces like beds or sofas. Store spare batteries in protective cases and never carry loose cells with keys or coins, and avoid counterfeit or modified kits that disable safety circuits. Turn devices off before storing them, look for models that advertise overcharge and short-circuit protections, and follow guidance from the American Burn Association…