Consumer Product Update: Health Canada Warns of Fire Risk to Oxygen Therapy Patients from Electronic Cigarettes and Other Electrical Devices

Issue

Health Canada has been notified of an incident in the Province of Quebec resulting in an injury to a consumer from a fire associated with the use of an electronic cigarette in the presence of an oxygen source. According to the information currently available, the injured individual was undergoing oxygen therapy at the time of the incident. Health Canada is aware of similar incidents reported in other countries. Health Canada is working with the relevant authorities to further evaluate the incident in the Province of Quebec. Health Canada is warning consumers of potential risks of using electronic cigarettes while undergoing oxygen therapy. Electronic cigarettes include heating elements and a power source that may be charged from a USB port or a separate battery charger. These sources of heat may ignite the electronic cigarette if they are close to oxygen in a pressurized container, such as the ones that are used for oxygen therapy. Health Canada also warns that electronic cigarette batteries should not be charged near an oxygen source due to the risk of fire. Additionally, Health Canada warns consumers that other kinds of electrical devices may have the potential to cause a fire when used near an oxygen source.

What you should do

• Consumers should not use or charge electronic cigarettes near oxygen sources, such as pressurized containers used for oxygen therapy.
• Consumers should also refrain from using or charging electrical devices in proximity to oxygen sources, such as pressurized containers used for oxygen therapy.
• Consumers who are on oxygen therapy should always read and follow the warning labels on the container for the oxygen source.