Batteries found in phones, laptops, toothbrushes and other items have caused nearly 200 fires and six deaths in New York City this year, fire officials said. Here’s what you need to know about safety.
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Posted November 14, 2022 Updated November 15, 2022
A lithium-ion battery in a home that housed at least five e-bikes caused a fire in Manhattan this month that injured nearly 40 people. The fire was one of 188 caused by lithium-ion batteries in the city. New York this year, has created a warning about the dangers of batteries and ways to reduce them.
Lithium-ion batteries power every corner of our lives, including phones, laptops, toothbrushes, power tools and electric cars. But many do not know how to handle them safely or how to start a fire.
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How do lithium-ion batteries work?
Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable, last a long time and store a lot of energy in a small space. That makes them the most popular power source in electronics and cars, says Victoria Hutchison, research project manager at the Fire Protection Foundation.
When a failed battery overheats, it can release the gas violently and ignite, spreading like a chain reaction to other cells, she said.
Battery fires are quick and destructive.
Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are common in New York City: 6 people have died and 139 have been injured in battery fires so far, according to the New York Fire Department. Last year, the battery was gutted by a fire that killed four people and injured 79, the department said.
The battery that caused the fire on November 5 was still charging near the front door of a house, blocking the only way out, prompting firefighters to rescue two people inside. rope. And in August, a fire caused by a lithium-ion battery killed a mother and daughter in Harlem.
These fires can happen without warning and spread quickly, said Fire Chief Daniel E. Flynn at a Nov. 7 news conference.
“We had a full fire in a matter of seconds,” he said.
Take these simple steps to reduce the risk of batteries failing.
One in every 10 million lithium-ion batteries fail, a situation that almost always results in a fire, Ms. Hutchison. While that’s a relatively low rate, the battery is being used in more devices, including cheaper, less reliable batteries with higher risks, she said. Customers should purchase batteries and devices that are certified by UL or another safety testing laboratory.
She said that fires were also started because people used chargers that were not suitable for batteries. They should use charging cables recommended by a manufacturer, she said. The wrong one can continue to charge the battery until it overheats.
“Once it reaches the temperature of the heat, it is very violent,” said Ms. Hutchison.
Lithium-ion batteries show signs that they need to be replaced if they heat up, expand or take longer than usual to charge, said Ms. Hutchison. Immediately before the failure, the battery will make noises and screams as gas comes out. Experts recommend storing them in fireproof containers.
Even a battery that complies with safety standards when first purchased can be dangerous if damaged, said William S. Lerner, a hydrogen expert and representative of ISO, an organization for global standardization.
“These batteries may be more efficient, but if they’re injured and dropped and severely damaged, then the potential for failure is greater,” he said.
It’s a widespread problem but not well-regulated.
There is no major database that tracks fires caused by batteries, Mr. Lerner said. But the fire happened in the world.
The popularity of e-bikes in New York City has grown during the pandemic as people look to public transportation and bike-sharing services, Mr. Lerner said. But their use increased before the government imposed regulations.
New York City’s Housing Authority has proposed banning e-bike storage in buildings but has faced backlash from people like food delivery drivers whose jobs depend on them. The agency said that it is still working on the steps to be taken to establish a new law.
The issue remains at the fore for housing managers. A sign outside the Manhattan apartment complex where the fire occurred this month read, “No pedals or e-bikes allowed past this point.”
The City Council is considering several battery protection measures and held a hearing Monday night. Legislation that would ban the sale of uncertified batteries and require people to be educated about the dangers of high-powered mobile devices are among the measures being considered.
Leny Feliu, founder of Safer Charging, said her brother is a donor. “He’s getting his money that way and I want him to keep getting his money, but we need to find a way to charge for these things,” she said.
Property management companies Douglas Elliman and AKAM, which manage about 700 apartment complexes in New York City, have begun communicating with residents and managers about the safety of lithium-ion batteries.
“We want to be proactive, not passive,” said Chris Alker, AKAM’s vice president of operations. “We don’t want to wait for fire to solve such situations.”
Proper care and recycling are crucial.
After batteries have reached the end of their useful life, which can vary, the next step is to safely dispose of them – not throw them in the trash, which is illegal in some states, including New York. Some companies like Home Depot and Best Buy accept used lithium-ion batteries. Some states require retailers to accept rechargeable batteries from customers for recycling. Consumers can also contact battery manufacturers for disposal options.
Call2Recycle works with 52 brands and 75 bike shops to recycle metal parts of batteries, said Leo Raudys, the group’s chief executive. Since lithium-ion batteries began being accepted in March, 18,000 pounds of them have been received.
“These batteries are amazing, and if people follow good habits and make good batteries, they’re safe, they’re safe,” he said, adding, “The problem is we’re seeing bad actors.” there they advertise and sell. batteries that are not safe or not certified.”
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