Attention to the Risk of Lithium Battery Explosion!

The lithium batteries used in your electronic devices pose a risk of explosion, albeit rarely. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there were at least 25,000 fire incidents related to these batteries between 2012 and 2017, and this situation continues to this day.

Particularly in 2023, New York City reported 200 fires due to lithium-ion batteries. Some of these fires may be related to dogs using phones as chew toys, but sudden explosions of rechargeable lithium batteries can also pose serious dangers. Fortunately, there are some important warning signs that can help you notice such a situation in advance.

Lithium batteries operate by using chemical reactions to transfer electrons from one material to another. However, these chemical reactions can cause problems under various conditions. Here are some signs that may indicate a problem:

• Temperature
• Swelling
• Smoke
• Sound

Temperature: Rechargeable batteries generate heat during normal operation. If you use your phone for a long time, you may notice that the device is getting warm. Under normal conditions, phones can heat up to 35 degrees and may feel warm to the touch. However, if your device is overheating significantly, it may indicate that something is wrong. If you think your device is unusually warm, your battery may be on the verge of exploding.

Swelling: Lithium-ion batteries can swell due to heat and gas buildup. Swelling does not necessarily mean that your battery is about to explode; however, if your device is showing other signs along with swelling, this can be dangerous.

Smoke: White or gray smoke is considered a sign that the battery is about to explode very soon. If there is any type of smoke coming from your device, it is best to assume there is a risk of explosion.

Sound: Batteries on the verge of exploding may often make hissing or bubbling sounds. If you detect one or more of these warning signs, it is best to assume that the battery could ignite and take necessary precautions to protect yourself.

If you see smoke or sparks, you should immediately vacate the area. To protect yourself, move with your hand shielding the device and make sure not to hold the device with bare hands. You can use a tool such as tongs or oven mitts for this purpose. Turn off the device and unplug it; if possible, remove it from the outlet and turn off the power. Carefully move the device; avoid pushing or throwing it. Carefully transport it to an isolated spot where flames can be contained (for example, to a concrete floor area like a garage or an outside pavement area).

If you have a fireproof safe or document safe, you can place your device inside it. However, it is still recommended to move the device as far away from your living space as possible. If the device ignites, you can use a standard fire extinguisher to put out the flames. If a larger device, such as an electric bike, explodes, calling the fire department will be the safest option.