The press and media seem to partially have something against the use of e-cigarettes. Daily papers are awash with attention-grabbing and shocking news about the dangers associated with e-cigs and their devices as cause of domestic fires, due to battery fires and such. But this is a prime example of misguided, sensational journalism that does the opposite of good journalism and actually misinforms the public. Almost all lithium battery fires that happen due to user error of mismatching chargers, and can happen with any type of device, such as cellphones. In reality, the rate of smokers switching to vaping has helped reduce home fires related to tobacco smoking.
Converting Negligible Data into Scary News
The mainstream press has a way of projecting data to create a false perception. Whether the shocking headlines are meant to draw attention, or really because they believe e-cigs are bad news, they’re apparently working. Even the fire department has issued a document on how to combat the dangers associated with e-cig use.
Top broadsheets such as the Daily Mail, The Independent, The Telegraph and The Guardian have headlines that shout alarming figures of house fires caused by electronic cigarettes. They ran perturbing stories blaming e-cig charging devices as responsible for a least one fire occurring in a week-span. You have to read through the stories to recognize the bloated details and intentionally shroud the truth.
For example, the ever-reliable Daily Mail reports “E-Cigarettes linked to 100 fires.” The story started out mentioning fire services in the UK attending to at least one fire every week, suspecting the spark was caused by e-cigs or their related devices. As you read on, you’ll learn the incidents are over a two year period. The data is certainly not as dramatic compared with fires ignited by traditional cigarettes.
Getting the Right Statistics
All the headlines failed to mention some key statistics comparing the dangers of e-cigs and traditional cigarettes. Instead of offering perspective and context by presenting readers with all the information, the news condemned e-cigs as dangerous explosives that can destroy homes and claim lives. Latest UK government report on fire statistics reveals where the real danger can be.
Smokers’ materials such as cigarettes, cigars or pipe tobacco are known to be the source of fire, causing more than a third of all domestic fire deaths in 2012 and 2013. 35 people were killed for every 1000 fires. Fires started by cigarette lighters registered the highest injury rate.
Compared to fires caused by e-cig batteries over the same two year period, a total of 113 calls to related blazes were reported by leading newspapers, with two fatalities. The current vaping population in the UK is 2.1 million so the stats for e-cigs would be 27 accidental house fires per one million vapers and 0.48 house fire fatalities per every one million vapers per year. Although still as unfortunate and sad, we cannot lie to ourselves and ignore the fact that they are a much safer alternative for home fires.
Electronic Cigarettes Reduce Tobacco Related Fires
The statistics help in promoting the safety of e-cigarettes over tobacco and other smoking products. Contrary to what was portrayed in the media, there is safety in using e-cigs otherwise government would have strictly regulated the product. If the unbalanced reporting is favored, the e-cigarette industry can be affected as well as its potential to become a life saver for many. The figures are available to clearly prove that vaping greatly reduces the number of fatalities related to domestic fires.
Much like other electronic items that use batteries, chargers, and other high-power mechanisms, applying safety measures is required to prevent tragic incidents leading to fire. Both suppliers and consumers have the responsibility to provide and use safe products. Common sense dictates that safety is about using compatible e-cig charger for the battery and unplugging it when fully charged. Invest only in quality devices and buy from reputable suppliers. Never charge or leave a device on charge on bed or near combustible materials. When it comes to e-cigs, it is best to be safe to ensure a pleasant vaping experience.