How the FDA is perpetuating the problem of exploding e-cig batteries

The article on ABC News reporting the episode said “there have been at least 92 documented explosions”, and according to the local Deputy Fire Marshal, the problem with these devices is that the “cheaply made aftermarket batteries can short circuit in milliseconds.”

Hence the solution to this ongoing issue is simple no? The manufacturer of these devices could simply change the batteries used, perhaps even recall the products sold…… apparently not!

The problem posed by the New Tobacco Product Application

In an article regarding the matter, Public Health expert, Dr. Michael Siegel pointed out that ironically it is the US Food and Drug Administration’s deeming rule that comes in the way of this taking place.

He explained that if these e-cig companies had to decide to change the batteries they use, this would constitute a new “tobacco product,” hence before being released on the market the company would have had to have applied for and received a PreMarket Tobacco Application, (PMTA), from the FDA. This is a lengthy process that could take years and cost millions of dollars. “So effectively, the FDA has banned safety improvements such as replacing defective batteries”, stated Siegel.

In this instance, not only are the FDA’s regulations not safeguarding public health, but on the contrary are proving to be an obstacle, coming in the way of a serious safety hazard being resolved. According to Siegel the D.C. District Court should issue an injunction against the enforcement of the new tobacco product application, so that vaping businesses are able to make the necessary changes in order to ensure that their products are safe.

“The FDA justifies its regulations based on pure speculation about the hazards of vaping products, yet is taking no action to remedy the one documented adverse health effect of these products: the potential for exploding batteries. Not only is the FDA failing to take action about this problem, but it has made the problem much worse by prohibiting companies from fixing the problem.” said Siegel, adding, “In all my years in public health, I cannot think of another public health regulatory action that is so acutely threatening to the public’s health.”

Stuck on ideologies rather than focusing on what really matters

Even though other countries such as the UK, have completely endorsed vaping products as smoking cessation tools, ultimately many health experts agree that different opinions aside, even if some may not believe in the efficacy of the products, most certainly everyone is in agreement that these devices should be manufactured in the safest way possible.

It is implausible that the government agency which was specifically set in place to ensure that consumables are regulated in a way so as to reach their consumers in the safest way possible, is in this particular case the single entity that is coming in the way of this actually happening. “The desire to just get rid of these products has overshadowed the desire to actually regulate the safety of the products and to protect public health and safety,” concluded Dr. Siegel.

Read more :

http://www.vapingpost.com/2016/11/30/exploding-ecigs-what-you-need-to-know/