‘ Vape ’ Battery Explosion Leaves Saskatoon Teen With Second Degree Burns
Shanine Sealey , Martensville Messenger
E-cigarettes ( e-cigs , vapes , vaporizers , etc .) have become a popular alternative to smoking cigarettes , often used as an aide when one is trying to quit smoking . The electronic smoking option is a battery powered device that uses a liquid that may or may not contain nicotine to produce vapor that is then inhaled . Upon gaining in popularity over the years , bylaws in many communities required modifications to include the electronic smoking option . As of January 1 , 2015 , the cities of Warman and Martensville banned smoking from parks , playgrounds , sports fields and outdoor restaurant and bar patios . This bylaw also bans the use of e-cigarettes anywhere smoking is prohibited .
Although many restrictions have been put in place when it comes to using your e-cig , purchasing one is quite easy at any age . In March of 2016 , Doctors with the Saskatchewan Medical Association ( SMA ) called for increased regulations when it came to electronic cigarettes , stating that the flavored options are appealing to youth . “ All flavorings are dangerous because they make it easier for youth to experiment with tobacco by masking its harsh taste . Once youth start using one tobacco product , they are more likely to experiment with others ,” the SMA stated in a June 2016 report . Currently , there are still no age restrictions for vaporizers within the province . These regulations differ from province to province .
It is important to be aware of issues that can be present when utilizing an e-cig . Last week , in Saskatoon , a teen was driving around with friends , and had a spare battery pack for his vaporizer in his pocket . At one point , the teen could smell burning and then noticed smoke coming from his pocket , followed by sparks and flames . “ He panicked , reached in to grab it out , which caused his hand to burn from the battery acid ,” the boy ’ s father explained . All clothing that the teen was wearing was completely destroyed , and he was required to see a plastic surgeon to determine the extensity of the injuries . Thankfully the teen did not suffer any tendon or nerve damage ; however , did suffer from second degree burns .
Incidents such as this are rare , but not unheard of , as other reports similar to this have been made . In January of 2016 , a 16 year old boy in Lethbridge , AB was put through a rigorous and expensive recovery after his e-cigarette exploded in his mouth . The teen claimed that he was smoking the e-cig with friends when it blew up , causing first and second degree burns and broken teeth . Other reports of the electronic devices exploding have been reported , with injuries varying from minor to quite extensive , including an Idaho man who reportedly lost seven teeth in an e-cigarette explosion .
Kevin Ber of the Martensville Corner Store explained that the use of vaporizers falls into a ‘ grey area ’, which causes difficulty when it comes to regulating the products . The sale of ‘ vapes ’, ‘ juice ’ and other products fall into the discretion of the retailer . The Martensville Corner Store does not allow sales to anyone under the age of 18 . Ber continued on to state that it is important to ensure you are selling / using “ quality products ” in order to avoid malfunctions and increased side effects from additional chemicals .
In November of 2016 , Health Canada released a report stating that a proposed legislation will create a new approach to regulating vaping products . In this report , Health Canada states that one in four youth aged 15-19 has tried an e-cigarette and that the vast majority of smokers begin by adolescence or young adulthood , adding that in Canada , 82 % of current adult daily smokers had smoked their first cigarette by the age of 18 . “ The introduction of this important legislation is the next step in the Government ’ s work to protect young Canadians from nicotine addiction and tobacco use . At the same time , it introduces an approach to vaping products that considers their potential benefits to smokers ," Jane Philpott , Minister of Health , stated . The legislature will see the Tobacco Act be amended to the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act , and would include provisions to protect youth from nicotine addiction and tobacco use ; allow adults to access vaping products as likely less harmful alternatives to tobacco use ; and protect the health and safety of Canadians through a variety of means . The new federal regime would regulate the manufacture , sale , labelling and promotion of vaping products and would include provisions such as restricting sales to youth , restricting certain flavours like candy , that appeal to youth , and measures such as child-resistant packaging to help protect children from nicotine poisoning .
Another danger from using ‘ e-cigs ’ is Popcorn Lung , which is caused by diacetyl found in e-cigarette vapor . The diacetyl causes bronchiolitis obliterans , also known as “ popcorn lung ”; the scarring of the tiny air sacs in the lungs resulting in the thickening and narrowing of the airways . This can cause wheezing , coughing , and shortness of breath , all similar to the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease . Although diacetyl is not found in all e-cigarette products , the majority of flavors include either diacetyl , or other chemicals similar to it . mARtEnsvillE mEssEngER - FEBRUARY 9 , 2017 - Page 5
ABOVE : A Saskatoon teen suffered second degree burns after his e-cigarette spare battery exploded in his pocket . ( Photo submitted )
FRIDGE NEWS
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February 10 - 12 , 2017 Ladies Curling Bonspiel
Tuesday , February 14 , 2017 Committee of the Whole - City Hall
February 15 , 2017 South Side WASTE Collection Day
February 16 , 2017 North Side WASTE Collection Day
February 20 , 2017 FAMILY DAY - MAP For more information on City events , visit www . martensville . ca
Members attended a total of 114 calls and 92 traffic charges were laid during the past week in the Detachment .
TRAFFIC several Drivers Charged with impaired Driving
February 3rd at 12:40 am a vehicle was checked just outside of Saskatoon . The 42 year old male driver was found to be impaired and the driver was charged .
February 3rd at 12:43 a vehicle was checked on Highway 16 as it was driving erratically . The 26 year old male driver was charged with impaired driving .
February 4th at 1:00 am , a vehicle was stopped while driving in Warman . The 39 year old male driver was found to be impaired and charges were laid .
February 5th at 5:50 pm a two vehicle collision occurred on Centennial Boulevard near the Dairy Queen in Martensville . One vehicle rear-ended another . There were no injuries . One driver was charged .
PROPERTY theft of truck in Osler January 31st at 5:30 am a report was received from outside Osler of a theft of truck and other property from a shop on the yard . The blue 1995 Dodge Dakota truck is still missing .
Graffiti at Langham Elementary School January 31st at 9:30 am a report of graffiti on the Langham elementary School was received .
Reports of going through vehicles in Delisle , Radisson February 2nd at 8:24 am several reports of someone going into vehicles overnight in Delisle was received .
February 2nd at 10:18 am a report was received of someone going through vehicles in Radisson overnight .
suspicious Purchase on Kijiji February 2nd at 12:50 pm a call was received from someone concerned who had purchased some items from an ad on Kijiji in Warman . Something about the purchase felt suspicious . Members attended and found that property had been sold while the owners were away on holidays . Charges have been laid .
Hit & Run at Warman grocery store February 3rd at 2:10 pm a hit and run was reported at the Co-Op Grocery Store in Warman .
Burning truck on grid Road Outside martensville February 4th at 7:10 am a truck was found burning on a grid road outside of Martensville . The truck had been stolen out of Maidstone Detachment area .
truck Reported stolen in Warman February 4th at 9:20 am a truck was reported stolen in Warman . The truck was later located in some bushes northwest of Warman . There are no suspects at this time .
theft at Business in martensville February 4th at 2:45 pm a theft was reported at a business site on 9th Street North in Martensville . Property was
truck stolen at Residence in langham February 5th at 3:12 pm a truck was reported stolen from a residence in Langham . The truck was later recovered in Saskatoon , abandoned .
PEOPLE
teens Driving and Pulling a Person on toboggan in Osler February 1st at 12:30 pm a call was received of a car full of teens driving in Osler pulling a toboggan with a person on it . Members made a patrol for the vehicle .
NOTICE
if you have information regarding these or any other crime , please contact Warman / martensville RCmP at 306-975-1670 / 306-975-1610 or if you have information and you wish to remain anonymous in your reporting , please contact Crime stoppers at 1-800-222-tiPs ( 8477 ), submit a tip via their website : http :// saskcrimestoppers . com / or text in a tip : tiP206 + your tip to CRimEs ( 274637 ).
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