U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is calling on the federal government to investigate cases of exploding electronic cigarettes.

The New York Democrat said Sunday that at least four New York residents have been injured within the past few weeks when electronic cigarettes suddenly exploded or burst into flames.

Schumer says new federal regulations give the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the power to investigate the incidents and require warning labels, or even product recalls, if the agency determines the devices pose a risk.

The federal government announced this month that it will subject electronic cigarettes to regulations requiring manufacturers to submit their products for review. The new rules will prohibit sales to anyone under age 18.

(AP)