Fortunately, major explosions caused by lithium-ion batteries are rare. However, if exposed to inadequate conditions, there is a small chance that they will catch fire or explode. When batteries catch fire, they're usually news. Do you remember the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 or the Hoverboard Fire? But in reality, lithium battery fires are rare.
According to the technical reporting site CNET, the chances of a lithium battery catching fire are approximately 1 in 10 million.
Lithium batteries
have become popular, as they can deliver three times more energy than other battery technologies. Lithium batteries contain flammable substances and toxic chemicals that can cause skin burns and other injuries. Lithium batteries, specifically lithium-ion batteries, are used in many different applications and power laptops, cell phones, tablets, power tools, cameras, e-cigarettes, and many other devices.For example, LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries don't overheat as much as other types of lithium-ion batteries. However, as the use of lithium batteries has become widespread in devices such as laptops and smartphones, we have also seen an increase in the use of batteries. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are several precautions you can take to help prevent lithium battery fires. Lithium-ion batteries caused more than 200 fires in New York City last year alone, killing six people and injuring nearly 150.
When the device or lithium battery is at the end of its useful life, don't throw it away. Despite concerns, lithium-ion batteries continue to dominate many of today's most popular devices. Future battery technologies under development, such as sodium-ion or solid-state batteries, are also expected to address some of the safety issues of lithium-ion. Compensation will depend on the circumstances of the lithium battery incident, your injuries and the damage suffered.
While lithium batteries are known to carry some risks, manufacturers are generally aware of the potential dangers of batteries and know how to minimize problems with proper product design. Authorities believe the incident was due to a lithium-ion battery from a scooter found on the roof of an apartment building. Lithium-ion batteries are easily recharged and have the highest energy density of all battery technologies, meaning they store more energy in a smaller space. Lithium-ion batteries, found in many popular consumer products, are once again under scrutiny after a huge fire that occurred this week in New York City, which is believed to have been caused by the battery that powered an electric scooter.
Experiencing a lithium battery explosion can be frightening and cause emotional, physical and financial consequences.
