After the recent controversy about Samsung Galaxy Note 7's exploding batteries that led to a massive recall, new reports suggest that lithium ion batteries in e-cigarettes are dangerous too. Storing batteries containing lithium should be done properly to avoid accidents and explosions. CCTV footage captured in a shopping center in the U.K. alarmed customers after a small explosion caused by an e-cigarette.
Why Lithium Ion Batteries Explode
The Galaxy Note 7 taught Samsung a hard lesson and it should also make more consumers realize how technology can be dangerous. The same issue could happen with any device that makes use of a lithium ion battery including the popular tobacco replacements -e-cigarettes.
Lithium ion batteries, the same ones in Samsung Note 7 and most other mobile devices, are also used in e-cigarettes and other small gadgets. This type of battery is currently the most convenient for modern gadgets but the materials used to maintain the charge is highly flammable. In case of a battery short-circuit which can happen when the thin plastic separator between the positive and the negative charge is punctured, your battery can blow up.
E-cigarette Battery Explosions
A news story published in the Daily Dot revealed that there was a small explosion from the pocket of one man who was carrying an e-cigarette and some spare batteries. The report detailed that the spare battery shorted leading to the explosion. The battery may have come in contact with another battery or a metal inside the man's pocket.
The CCTV footage clearly shows a small explosion similar to sparklers from the man's pocket. Fortunately, the man did not sustain any major injuries. However, firefighters who responded to the scene recommend that spare batteries be stored in a plastic case to avoid incidents such as the e-cigarette battery explosions.
It should be noted that Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones were all recalled after similar incidents were reported. The case of exploding e-cigarette batteries did not get much attention yet but experts recommend proper handling of any kind of battery to avoid accidents.
