More information about the exploding electronic cigarette has surfaced.

CR123A

The exploding cigarette story that sent waves through the network has more information that have been publicized.  Monday evening, a man who switched to electronic cigarettes 2 years ago because of health issues on his lungs, suffered injuries when his modified electronic cigarette explode while he was using it.  The explosion removed his  front teeth, took some of the flesh from his tongue and left lacerations on his face.

Initially no news was released as to what brand or model he was using.  Fire fighters only said they found several rechargeable batteries, and charging dock and the remains of a “cigar sized” case from the exploding cigarette which they collected.

While the exact brand is unknown, several manufacturers have spoken out.

Thomas Kiklas, co-founder of the Tobacco Vapor Electronic Cigarette Association, said the industry knows of no problems with the cigarettes or batteries exploding.

Kiklas cited a federal report that found 2.5 million Americans used electronic cigarettes last year.

“There have been billions and billions of puffs on the cigarettes and we have not heard of this happening before,” he said.

And this account from the fire Chief Parker:

Chief Butch Parker of the North Bay Fire District responded to the call. “I have never heard of or seen anything like this before,” Parker told ABCNews.com. Although the battery was unrecognizable after the incident, Parker reported finding several 3.0 volt CR123A type batteries charging in the room along with a scorched battery case that appeared to be one for a cigar-sized device.

These rechargeable batteries are usually used in mod electronic cigarettes.  Mods are becoming more popular, but originally they were “Mods” created by users of electronic cigarettes.  Whether this was a home-made electronic cigarette or was purchased by a site that sells mods instead of regular, “Big company” electronic cigarettes remains to be seen.

Most mod electronic cigarettes are larger than typical electronic cigarettes and don’t use the CR123A batteries as shown above.  Those are not the batteries found, just a picture representing the general style of a CR123A.  Those mods are about the size of a small flash light and last usually for a day or so.  A typical electronic cigarette is just a little longer than a regular cigarette and last just a couple of hours.

I’ll post more information as it becomes available.