I just saw this thread. My last "analog" cigarette was January 10, 2009. I've been smoking e-cigarettes for three years and I've never looked back. It is wonderful. I've always told people, you still really want to quit. My sister in law ended up in the hospital in ICU with COPD. The doctors told her that she could never smoke again. My brother (also a smoker) knew about my e-cigarettes and ask the dr about using them. They were all for it. Both of them have been using them for two years. Later that year, my sister and her husband started using them also. My mother passed away in May of 2010 and she told me the night before she died that she never thought that she would live to see all of her kids off of cigarettes. I believe in them.
As far as the explosion goes, it will take time to find out what kind of cigarette/mod was being used. If you use a modified cigarette (I do) you have to be very careful with what kind of batteries you use and if they are protected or not. If you buy batteries from the store that aren't properly rated for the device you can get in real trouble. Some of the mods actually stack batteries and this really multiplies the chances of a problem. The one I use only uses one battery. I also buy my batteries and charger from the e-cigarette supplier.
I use "Puresmoker" products. They are based out of Nashville, TN and all their products including the nicotine liquid are made in the US. The "juice" is a mix of Glycerine, nicotine, and flavoring. Their website is
Buy Electronic Cigarettes Online - USA Electronic Cigarettes, E Cigarette Kits, Cartridges, eLiquid <meta name="google-site-verification" content="SSgkbLlwlWuvKWeOXbuDTrw3Oy29md2PvsfFoD7ul uQ" />
Also, for anyone considering this, I recommend this website.
E-Cigarette Forum
This is a website for all things e-cigarette. Their's a wealth of information to be had there as well as a long list of on-line suppliers.
Karen