Heat risks in parked vehicles for e-cigarettes and medicine

High temperatures inside parked vehicles during summer pose significant risks to both people and various consumer products. According to data from the ADAC, vehicle interiors can reach temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius within 30 minutes when outside temperatures are below 30 degrees, climbing to nearly 60 degrees after 90 minutes.

E-cigarettes are particularly vulnerable. Markus Lindblad of Haypp warns that heat can damage built-in batteries, causing them to swell, leak, or even explode and cause fires. Additionally, heat can cause e-liquid to expand and leak, potentially creating sticky residues or causing skin irritation. If a fire occurs due to a device left in a car, insurance coverage may depend on specific contract terms.

Medications also face serious risks. The German Federal Ministry of Health and the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association warn that heat can cause medicines to lose effectiveness or develop toxic degradation products. Heat-sensitive items such as suppositories, creams, ointments, and asthma sprays are especially at risk. Experts recommend transporting medications in cooling bags during long trips, ensuring they do not come into direct contact with ice packs to avoid freezing.