FDNY: 8-year-old boy dies from lithium-ion battery fire

An 8-year-old girl died in a fire in College Point Saturday morning, according to the FDNY.

The fire started on the top floor of a three-story house at about 7:37 a.m. on 130th Street, the FDNY said.

According to FDNY, a lithium-ion battery from an electric transportation device was the cause of the fire Saturday morning.

Police identified the little girl as Stephanie Villa Torres. Her father and brother were both hospitalized with serious injuries, according to the FDNY.

What You Need To Know

The 8-year-old victim was identified as Stephanie Villa Torres of College Point The FDNY says the cause of the fire that broke out around 7:37 a.m. was from a lithium-ion battery from a electric transportation device Villa Torres’ father and brother also suffered serious injuries that are not life-threatening, according to the FDNY

Neighbors use terms like “heartbreaking” and “very, very sad” to describe the tragic situation.

“One of the firefighters came out with the little girl and they started giving her first aid in the middle of the street,” said Luis Sanchez. “The ambulance came shortly after, but it seems she didn’t make it.”

Bewildered neighbors like Sanchez felt upset after hearing the news.

He last saw Villa Torres go to school on Wednesday.

“I’d see them go to school,” Sanchez said. “So it’s pretty sad, and when the father, they had him here. His arms were burned. He was like in shock.”

According to the FDNY, the cause of the Queens fire was an accident.

However, officials blame a lithium-ion battery from an electric mobility device.

“It’s really heartbreaking to hear that,” said neighbor Kelly Menbreno. “Living here and hearing that, living there. It hurts, it really hurts.”

The most recent figures from the FDNY show that between January 1 and May 3 of this year, there was a 233% increase in fires caused by e-bikes and the lithium-ion batteries they use, compared to the same time last year.

Similarly, on August 3, a 36-year-old woman and a 5-year-old girl died at the Jackie Robinson Houses in East Harlem after a fire broke out. According to the FDNY, lithium-ion batteries for an e-bike or e-scooter started the fire in August.

Luther Linton of College Point believes lawmakers should change the regulations that allow electrical appliances in a home to prevent more tragedies.

NYCHA is considering a ban on these devices in public housing.

“Even though a lot of people use it for work,” Linton said. “If it’s going to cause things like that. It’s not the first time I hear about this sort of thing, the cost of living. I don’t think it’s worth it.”

To remember the life of Villa Torres, some neighbors have placed flowers outside her house.

► Exposure to lithium may cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. ► Lithium can cause headache, muscle weakness, muscle twitching, blurred vision, loss of coordination, tremors, confusion, seizures and coma.

What happens when a lithium battery explodes?

Due to this high energy density, injuries can be catastrophic when a lithium-ion battery explodes. An explosion of a lithium-ion battery can cause severe burns and, in rare cases, death.

Can lithium batteries explode? However, lithium-ion batteries are extremely sensitive to high temperatures and inherently flammable. These batteries tend to degrade much faster than they normally would, due to the heat. If a lithium-ion battery pack fails, it will catch fire and wreak havoc.

What would cause a lithium battery to explode?

The chemicals in the battery begin to heat up, further deteriorating the separator. The battery can eventually reach temperatures of over 1,000°F. At that point, the flammable electrolyte can ignite or even explode when exposed to the oxygen in the air.

Can lithium batteries spontaneously combust?

Butler: Lithium batteries are capable of spontaneous combustion and subsequent explosion due to overheating. This can be caused by, among other things, short circuit, rapid discharge, overcharging, manufacturing defects, poor design or mechanical damage.

How likely is a lithium battery to explode?

But in reality, lithium battery fires are rare. According to the technical reporting site CNET, your chance of a lithium battery fire is about 1 in 10 million.

How do you stop a lithium battery from exploding?

Remove lithium-powered devices and batteries from the charger once they are fully charged. Store lithium batteries and devices in dry, cool places. Avoid damaging lithium batteries and devices.

How do you handle an exploded lithium battery?

For best results, when extinguishing a Li-ion fire, use a foam extinguisher, CO2, ABC powder, graphite powder, copper powder, or soda (sodium carbonate) as you would extinguish other combustible fires.

What happens if you breathe in lithium-ion battery fumes?

Higher exposures can cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. Exposure to lithium can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

How do you handle an exploded battery?

The best way to remove alkaline leakage from the device is to dab it gently with a few drops of a mild acid such as white vinegar or lemon juice. For stubborn leaks, an old toothbrush dipped in vinegar or lemon juice can get the job done.

Is it toxic if a battery explodes?

An exploding battery can be dangerous and cause painful injuries. Lithium batteries contain flammable substances and toxic chemicals that can cause burns and other injuries.

What is it called when a lithium battery explodes?

Lithium-ion and lithium metal cells are known to undergo a process called thermal runaway during failure. Thermal runaway results in a rapid increase in battery cell temperature and pressure accompanied by the release of flammable gas.

Do lithium batteries explode?

Can lithium batteries explode? Lithium batteries are the most common rechargeable batteries today, powering many appliances and devices, such as cell phones, laptops, and even electric cars. Although generally safe, lithium batteries can explode or catch fire, resulting in serious injury.

What is battery explosion?

During operation and charging, lead-acid batteries produce hydrogen and oxygen that occupy the free space in a battery above the electrolyte. If such gases are not properly discharged or are exposed to an ignition source, the battery may explode.

How do you keep lithium batteries from exploding?

Preventing Lithium Batteries Burning (10 Tips)

• Only buy batteries from reputable manufacturers.
• Do not charge non-rechargeable batteries.
• Keep batteries away from high temperatures.
• Do not store batteries on a charger after the charging cycle is complete.

How do you prevent a lithium battery from exploding? Remove lithium-powered devices and batteries from the charger once they are fully charged. Store lithium batteries and devices in dry, cool places. Avoid damaging lithium batteries and devices.

What causes a lithium battery to explode?

The chemicals in the battery begin to heat up, further deteriorating the separator. The battery can eventually reach temperatures of over 1,000°F. At that point, the flammable electrolyte can ignite or even explode when exposed to the oxygen in the air.

How do you make a lithium battery explode?

Batteries left too close to a heat source, or set on fire, are known to explode. Other external factors can also cause a lithium-ion battery to fail. Dropping your phone too hard (or too often) can damage the separator and cause the electrodes to touch.

Why do lithium-ion batteries explode on planes?

In multi-cell batteries, adjacent batteries can in turn overheat and fail, causing the entire battery to rupture and ignite. This is what is known as thermal runaway results. In rare cases, the force of the released energy can cause the battery to explode.

How likely is a lithium battery to explode?

But in reality, lithium battery fires are rare. According to the technical reporting site CNET, your chance of a lithium battery fire is about 1 in 10 million.

How explosive is a lithium battery?

Lithium-based batteries are extremely powerful and potentially highly explosive. When charged repeatedly, dendrites can form that can cause a short circuit, causing the battery to catch fire.

How often do lithium batteries explode on planes?

While the chances of a device igniting are slim, such fires now occur once every 10 or 11 days on a flight somewhere in the US. The unique characteristics of battery fires pose a serious challenge to cabin crew.

Can lithium-ion batteries explode when not in use?

Leaving your phone alone in the sun for too long should not cause a battery explosion or fire. However, if a lithium battery is exposed to extremely high temperatures for a long time, an explosion may occur.

How likely are lithium ion batteries to explode?

“Lithium-ion batteries have a failure rate of less than one in a million.” By comparison, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says your chance of being struck by lightning over the course of your lifetime is about 1 in 13,000. of course, even one fire or explosion is one too many.

Can an unused battery explode?

The risks. There is always a risk associated with any battery. Old batteries can explode, leak, release harmful gases or, as we have seen, catch fire.

Which is the safest battery?

Today, lithium-ion is one of the most successful and safe battery chemistry available. Two billion cells are produced every year. Lithium-ion cells with cobalt cathodes contain twice the energy of a nickel-based battery and four times that of lead acid.

Are lithium batteries safe? Lithium batteries are generally safe and are unlikely to fail, but only as long as there are no defects and the batteries are not damaged. When lithium batteries do not operate safely or are damaged, they can present a fire and/or explosion hazard.

What is the best type of battery?

Lithium, an exceptionally light metal, gives lithium batteries the highest energy density of any battery cell. So they can store more energy than alkaline or other disposable batteries of similar size. And they perform excellently in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.

What type of battery lasts the longest?

Lithium: Lithium batteries work even better than alkaline batteries. They last much longer, have an epic shelf life, don’t discharge as much current when not in use, and can withstand extreme temperatures. While normal alkaline AAs struggle below 0°C, lithium batteries operate down to -40°C.

Is there a battery better than lithium ion?

Batteries made of magnesium metal could have higher energy density, greater stability and lower cost than current lithium-ion cells, scientists say in one study. Magnesium has another advantage. Each magnesium atom gives up two electrons during the battery’s discharge phase, compared to one electron for lithium.

What is the most effective type of battery?

Today, the Liâ ion is the fastest growing and most promising battery chemistry. The energy density of the Liâ ion is typically twice that of the standard NiCd. Improvements in electrode active materials have the potential to increase the energy density to nearly three times that of the NiCd.

Are lithium or alkaline batteries safer?

Alkaline batteries are less likely to pose a fire hazard. Airlines warn against taking cargo with lithium batteries, unless special safety packaging and permits are arranged. At room temperature and under normal conditions, lithium batteries are safe.

What are some of the benefits of lithium batteries over alkaline batteries?

They can withstand extremely low temperatures. Lithium can work flawlessly in very cold climates, so it’s ideal for outdoor applications. Lithium batteries are lighter than alkaline batteries, so they offer an advantage when used with portable devices, especially cordless power tools.

Why are alkaline batteries not recommended?

Compared to other batteries, alkaline batteries have some drawbacks. For example, compared to a lithium-ion battery, an alkaline battery is bulkier and heavier. Note that li-ion batteries have a higher energy density. Another disadvantage of alkaline batteries is the high internal resistance.

Are alkaline batteries safer than lithium?

Alkaline batteries can be made much cheaper and safer than current lithium-ion batteries, but they are not rechargeable.

Which is safer lithium or lead acid battery?

The performance of Lithium is much better than that of SLA in high temperature applications. In fact, lithium at 55°C still has twice the lifespan of SLA at room temperature. Lithium will outperform lead under most conditions, but is especially strong at elevated temperatures.

Is a lithium battery better than a lead-acid battery?

Lithium-ion chemistry can accept a higher flow rate and charge faster than batteries made with lead acid. This is critical for time-sensitive applications where vehicles have high occupancy rates and fewer break intervals.

Are lead acid batteries safer than lithium?

A lead-acid battery has six cells, while the lithium-ion battery has only four. The batteries offer better resistance to self-discharge and can hold a charge for a long time. Lithium-ion batteries are much safer for the environment.

Why is lithium better than lead acid?

Weight, space and energy density Lithium batteries have a much higher energy density than lead-acid batteries. The higher energy density is a huge advantage for mobile applications because space and weight are limited. For the same amount of energy in lead acid, lithium batteries weigh less than a quarter of the weight!

How long does a lithium battery burn?

Adjacent cells can get hot enough to enter thermal runaway as well, potentially flooding the entire battery pack. As mentioned, these fires are very hot (~800°C), nearly impossible to extinguish, and can burn for hours or even days depending on the number and size of the cells affected.

How often do lithium batteries catch fire? But in reality, lithium battery fires are rare. According to the technical reporting site CNET, your chance of a lithium battery fire is about 1 in 10 million.

How many fires are in a lithium battery?

Between January 1 and May 3 of this year, lithium-ion batteries caused 60 fires in the five boroughs, according to the FDNY. City data shows that this represents a 233% increase from the same period last year, when there were 18 fires between January 1 and May 3, 2021.

How much lithium is in a battery?

A lithium-ion battery pack for a single electric car contains about 8 kilograms (kg) of lithium, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory scientific and engineering research center.

What burns in a lithium battery fire?

In the event of a strong thermal incident, the Li-ion battery may release some of the flammable electrolyte along with various flammable/toxic gases such as hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrofluoric acid (HF).

How common are lithium fires?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that there were more than 25,000 fires or overheating problems caused by lithium-ion batteries in a five-year period.