Lithium cells provide sustained power and often have the capability to recharge. These batteries store a large amount of energy in a small amount of space. When designed, manufactured, and used properly, lithium batteries are a safe, high energy density power source for devices.
Lithium-ion batteries supply power to devices such as:
- smart phones
- laptops
- e-scooters and e-bikes
- power tools
- e-cigarettes
- body cameras
- smoke alarms
- toys
- smart luggage
- vehicles
Lithium batteries are normally safe, but they may cause injury if they have design defects or are made of low quality materials, are damaged or assembled incorrectly, are used or recharged improperly, or are on overloaded electrical circuits. Damaged or defective batteries can overheat, catch fire, or explode. Lithium-ion battery fires give off toxic gases and they burn extremely hot.
Safety Tips
- Only purchase and use devices, batteries, and charging equipment that are listed by a nationally recognized testing lab and labeled accordingly.
- Only use the battery, charger, and charging cord that were designed for, and came with, the device, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Don’t keep charging the device or device battery after it’s fully charged.
- Put batteries in the device the right way.
- Don’t charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
- Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Don’t place batteries in direct sunlight or inside hot vehicles.
- Don’t charge batteries at temperatures below 0°C (32°F) or above 40°C (105°F).
- Only charge one device or device battery at a time to prevent overloading the circuit.
- Store batteries and devices away from exit doors and anything that can get hot or catch fire.
- Keep batteries away from children and liquids.
- Only have device repairs performed by a qualified professional.
- Stop using the battery if you notice an unusual odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, smoking, or not keeping a charge.
Getting Rid of Batteries
Batteries don't belong in the garbage. Visit the Recycling Council of British Columbia's webpage to look up where to recycle your batteries.
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