As many shoppers purchase items such as cellphones, laptop computers and electric tools in the holiday gift-giving season, the Honolulu Fire Department warns the public about the “potential dangers” of lithium-ion batteries found in those items.
Lithium-ion batteries are very safe, however, problems can occur if the batteries are damaged or mishandled, said Capt. Jonathan Darr of the fire department’s Hazardous Materials Unit at a recent news conference held at the Kakaako Fire Station.
A chemical reaction called “thermal runaway” occurs when the lithium-ion battery cells enters an uncontrollable self-heating state, Darr said.
Fire officials say thermal runaway can cause the battery to reach extremely high temperatures and produce a lot of toxic, flammable gases that may appear as white smoke.
“This could result in intense fires,” Darr said.
“For example, if a battery…
HFD warns public of ‘potential dangers’ of lithium-ion batteries
