Over the past decade, the number of incidents involving home battery chargers, particularly those using lithium-ion batteries, has seen a troubling increase. These incidents often involve overheating, fires, and even explosions, leading to significant property damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Statistics and Incidents:
- Lithium-ion batteries are a common component in many household items such as mobile phones, laptops, and power tools. While generally safe, these batteries can be dangerous if damaged, improperly charged, or disposed of.
- According to reports, there have been at least 1,600 incidents, 611 injuries, and 115 fatalities related to lithium-ion battery fires in the United States alone over the past decade.
- A particularly severe incident occurred in Morris, Illinois in 2021, where over 200,000 lithium-ion batteries stored in an abandoned mill ignited, leading to the evacuation of over 1,000 homes and a massive firefighting effort that lasted for days. This incident underscores the risks associated with improper storage and management of these batteries.
Fatalities and Recalls:
- Australia reported at least one fatality due to a lithium-ion battery fire. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) highlighted that they have received 231 product safety reports related to these batteries in just the past five years, with 23 product recalls affecting around 89,000 items on the market. This demonstrates the growing concern over the safety of these batteries.
- In New York City, the rise in fires caused by lithium-ion batteries has been stark, with over 200 such fires reported in 2022, leading to several deaths and numerous injuries.
Preventative Measures:
- To mitigate the risks, experts recommend several safety practices, such as using the correct chargers for devices, avoiding charging batteries in high-temperature environments, and properly disposing of damaged or old batteries through appropriate recycling channels.
For more detailed information, you can refer to articles from reliable sources such as ERI Direct and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). These sources provide comprehensive insights into the risks and preventive measures associated with lithium-ion batteries.