US Navy bans vaping over exploding batteries concerns

An article published earlier today on The Virginian Pilot, said that due to such incidents at least one aircraft had to land, fires were started on ships and sailors suffered second-degree burns or were left with disfigured faces. The Navy stated that these unfortunate events happened when the the devices were either being used, charged, replaced, or came into contact with metal objects.

The ban will go into effect on the 14th of May, amidst many opposing arguments in favour and against the products. “Based on the experience of other FDA-regulated products, it is important to note that adverse experience reporting received is an underestimate of actual events,” said FDA spokesman Michael Felberbaum.

 

But why do these incidents keep repeating themselves, why are brands not recalling their products to relaunch safer versions? In an article published last December, Public Health expert, Dr. Michael Siegel offered an interesting perspective. He pointed out that ironically it is the US Food and Drug Administration’s deeming rule that keeps perpetuating the problem.

He explained that if e-cigarette companies had to recall the products and 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.

Is banning harm reduction products the answer?

The American Vaping Association (AVA), believes that the Navy is taking the wrong approach, given the fact that vaping products are excellent harm reduction alternatives and effective smoking cessation aides.

“When used and charged properly, vapor products pose no more of a fire risk than any other product that is powered by lithium-ion batteries, like cellphones or laptops,” said AVA president, Gregory Conley.

“It is a shame that the Navy made this move without consulting active duty personnel or consumer advocates, as there are many ways this issue could have been addressed without resorting to a blanket prohibition that will only serve to discourage current tobacco users from quitting.” concluded Conley.