Southwest Florida man critically hurt by exploding e-cigarette being treated

He now remains sedated in a hospital bed, suffering from severe burns after the e-cigarette he was smoking exploded in his face.

Cabado told CBS4’s Natalia Zea despite the rarity of explosions, there are things users can do to protect themselves.

Firefighters suspect the lithium battery in the e-cigarette was the cause for the explosion that severely burned Evan Spahlinger, 21, Monday morning.

“What’s recommended is after four months, disregard them and purchase new ones”, said Cabado.

If you or anyone you know is under the impression that an e-cigarette is more safe than a traditional one, 21-year-old Evan Spahlinger of Naples, Florida seriously begs the differ.

Evan Spahlinger is in critical condition at a Miami hospital, his sister, Ema Richardson, told WINK News.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on Monday it was banning electronic cigarettes from airline passengers’ checked luggage and from charging the devices and their batteries on board aircrafts because of their history of catching fire. “Banning e-cigarettes from checked bags is a prudent safety measure”, they said in a statement.

Hernandez believes accidents like this showcase a visible danger in a rapidly growing industry.

“I haven’t cried yet, but I’m sure I’ll have my day”, his mother, Alissa Stefanicci, said. “Banning e-cigarettes from checked bags is a prudent safety measure”.

It was not immediately clear what brand of e-cigarette Spahlinger was using. However unlike those devices, e-cigs are especially sensitive to overheating as smokers plug them into incompatible chargers.