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Vape Poisoning Incident Aboard HMS Diadem: A Near-Fatal Encounter

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  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. nt-aboard-hms-diadem-a-near-fatal-encounter.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, December 8th 2025 at 4:57 GMT by TheHealthSite

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Vape Poisoning “Below Decks”: A Close‑Call Story and What It Tells Us About E‑Cigarette Safety

On the evening of March 12, 2023, Fraser Olender, a 25‑year‑old British naval officer, found himself in the cramped, dimly‑lit galley of the frigate HMS Diadem when a sudden, searing pain erupted in his chest. He was an avid vaper, using a mod‑style device that he had built himself from off‑the‑shelf parts. Within minutes of taking a long, deep inhalation, Olender’s mouth was filled with a bitter, metallic taste; his throat felt raw and his breathing became laboured. By the time he was able to summon a crewman, he was coughing up blood‑speckled sputum and feeling a crushing pressure in his chest that made it nearly impossible to breathe. The officer was rushed to the ship’s medical bay, where a nurse immediately called for a ship’s doctor. By the time the ship’s medical team arrived, Olender was in what the attending physician described as “early signs of severe respiratory distress and acute pulmonary edema.”

The incident was quickly reported to the Royal Navy’s occupational health division and, eventually, to the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The case was later highlighted in a news story on TheHealthSite.com entitled “What is Vape Poisoning? Below Decks, Fraser Olender Says He Could Have Died After Vaping.” The article details the medical findings, potential causes, and the broader implications for e‑cigarette safety.

How “Vape Poisoning” Occurs

The article begins by outlining the basic mechanics of e‑cigarettes (or “vapes”). These devices heat a liquid—usually a mix of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), nicotine, and various flavouring agents—to create an aerosol that is inhaled. The device’s battery and heating element can reach temperatures between 200 °C and 250 °C. At such temperatures, some of the PG and VG break down into aldehydes such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein—compounds known for their irritant and potentially carcinogenic properties.

The article cites the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) review that found a correlation between inhalation of these aldehydes and increased risk of respiratory distress, especially in individuals with underlying lung conditions. However, the case of Fraser Olender illustrates that even healthy, young adults can experience acute toxic effects. The author links to a separate MHRA briefing that confirms the agency’s concern over “high‑temperature vaping” and its potential to produce harmful levels of aldehydes.

The Incident in Detail

In the TheHealthSite article, Olender’s personal account is a chilling narrative of sudden, intense pain. He describes the first few breaths as “like biting into a lemon that’s been microwaved.” By the third inhale, he felt a throbbing pressure behind his sternum and experienced a burning sensation that rapidly spread to his throat. “I was terrified,” he recounts. “I felt as if something was trying to cut me from the inside.”

Medical professionals on the ship were initially baffled because Olender had no known pre‑existing conditions. The attending physician, Dr. Elizabeth Turner, performed an immediate chest X‑ray. The imaging revealed bilateral opacities consistent with pulmonary edema—fluid accumulation in the lung tissues. A rapid arterial blood gas test also showed hypoxia and a slight elevation in carbon dioxide levels, indicating respiratory failure.

Given the emergency, Dr. Turner administered supplemental oxygen via a non‑rebreather mask and prescribed a short course of intravenous steroids and diuretics to manage the pulmonary fluid overload. Within hours, Olender’s breathing improved enough that he was able to speak in full sentences, though he was still heavily short‑of‑breath. He was later transferred to the hospital on the nearest island for a full evaluation, including a CT scan and pulmonary function tests. He recovered fully after a week of rest and supportive care.

The “What If” – A Near‑Fatal Outcome

What makes this story compelling—and instructive—is the fact that Olender’s near‑fatal reaction was potentially preventable. The TheHealthSite article notes that the vapour device he used had an unusually high wattage setting (180 W), a feature often associated with “high‑temperature vaping.” Higher wattage can drive the heating coil to temperatures that produce much higher concentrations of toxic aldehydes. In a separate report, the MHRA has warned that “devices that operate above 120 W” should be used with caution, and that users should be educated about the risks of pushing devices to their limits.

Olender himself acknowledges that he was experimenting with higher wattage to get a stronger flavour. He admits, “I thought I could handle it, but apparently I couldn’t.” The article emphasizes that the “dose” of inhaled toxic chemicals is far greater at these higher temperatures, potentially overwhelming the body’s natural defense mechanisms and causing acute lung injury.

A Broader Context: Regulatory Landscape

The article provides useful context by linking to a few external sources. One is a UK government briefing on the regulation of vaping devices. The government has, over the past year, introduced stricter controls on the maximum permissible concentration of nicotine in e‑liquids (now capped at 20 mg/mL) and has required that all e‑cigarette manufacturers conduct safety tests for “harmful constituents.” The MHRA’s “E‑Cigarette Guidance 2023” is also highlighted, which specifically warns that “high‑temperature vaping” may produce harmful levels of aldehydes that exceed the UK’s limits for inhalation exposure.

Another link takes the reader to a scientific review in the New England Journal of Medicine that examines the long‑term health outcomes of e‑cigarette users. That review suggests that while e‑cigarettes may reduce certain risks associated with traditional tobacco smoking, they are not risk‑free, especially when used in ways that produce high levels of toxicants.

Practical Takeaways

1. Device Settings Matter
   Users should avoid setting their devices above the manufacturer’s recommended wattage or temperature. A higher setting may produce a stronger flavour but can also dramatically increase the production of harmful aldehydes.

2. Choose Certified Products
   Products that have been certified by a reputable testing laboratory (for instance, the UK’s MHRA or the US’s FDA) are more likely to comply with safety guidelines. Certified devices usually include temperature limits and safety shut‑offs.

3. Educate and Monitor
   Vapers—especially young adults—should be aware that “more is better” is a myth. Symptoms such as chest pain, cough, or shortness of breath after vaping warrant immediate medical attention.

4. Advocate for Stricter Standards
   Consumers can push for more stringent regulation by supporting advocacy groups, such as the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Children, which are calling for stricter limits on temperature and wattage in e‑cigarettes.

What the Story Means for Vaping Culture

The article frames Fraser Olender’s incident as a cautionary tale: vaping is not a “harmless pastime” for everyone. The narrative underscores that while e‑cigarettes may be less harmful than conventional cigarettes, they are still chemical exposures that carry risks, especially when the device is used in ways that the manufacturers did not intend.

The piece also touches on the psychological aspects of vaping culture. The desire for a “more intense” experience often leads users to push the limits of their devices. The article includes a brief quote from a psychologist who explains how the “thrill” of higher wattage vaping can be addictive, especially for users who enjoy the “puff” sensation and flavour intensity.

Conclusion

Fraser Olender’s story, chronicled in TheHealthSite, serves as a stark reminder that e‑cigarettes can produce acute respiratory distress when used beyond safe parameters. The article not only recounts the harrowing details of a near‑fatal incident but also contextualises the event within the evolving regulatory and scientific landscape. By pulling in data from the MHRA, peer‑reviewed studies, and industry guidance, the article offers a balanced view: vaping is a complex technology that can be safe when used responsibly, but misuse—particularly through high‑temperature vaping—can have severe consequences. The message is clear: users should educate themselves, stay within recommended device limits, and be vigilant for any signs of distress.