How Dangerous Is A Swollen Lithium-Ion Battery?

Lithium-ion batteries are now integrated into almost all of our electronic devices. Although these batteries are generally safe to use, a bloated or swollen battery can indicate a serious problem. You should take a swollen lithium-ion battery seriously. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, swelling signals battery damage and poses a fire hazard. If a consumer notices the battery is bloated, they should take it seriously.

What causes a lithium-ion battery to become swollen? 

Lithium-ion batteries rely on well-managed chemical processes to store and release energy. In some cases, a faulty lithium-ion battery cell can produce gas. Because the cell is sealed, the gas formed can cause the cell to expand.

The EPA has found that evaporating liquid electrolytes in a lithium-ion battery can generate flammable gases, leading to swelling of the battery case or even ignition of the battery cell. Other hazards, such as mechanical injury, overheating, internal short-circuiting, and charging system failure, can also lead to thermal runaway.

Therefore, battery cell swelling is not only an aesthetic problem.

Can a swollen battery catch fire? 

Yes. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, bulging is one of the warning signs of lithium-ion battery damage or thermal runaway. Other warning signs include cracking, popping, hissing, gas emissions, and high temperature.

Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which uncontrollable chemical reactions within a battery generate intense heat. The chain reactions can cause a fire or even an explosion. Battery fires can also release hazardous gases, and the fire may ignite nearby combustible objects such as furniture, carpeting, and bedding.

Consumers should not continue to use or charge their batteries, even if they still seem operational despite the bulging.

What should I do with a swollen battery? 

The EPA suggests assessing the fire risk and contacting the manufacturer, retailer, hazardous waste organization, or local household hazardous waste organization about properly disposing of the battery. Until it is safely disposed of, store it away from any flammable material. If you think it poses a fire risk, call emergency services.

In addition, consumers are advised not to puncture, crush, bend, or otherwise tamper with a swollen battery. Never dispose of lithium-ion batteries in regular trash or curbside recycling bins.

Could a swollen lithium-ion battery lead to a product liability claim? 

If a lithium-ion battery swells, catches fire, or explodes during reasonable use, there may be questions about why it failed. Depending on the situation, an injured consumer may have a legal claim against the manufacturer based on defective design, manufacturing defects, or inadequate warnings.

A battery fire could cause serious injuries, including burns, smoke inhalation, property damage, and more. If such incidents occur, you should keep the battery along with other evidence including photographs, receipts, packaging materials, medical documents, fire reports, and others that can help determine the cause of the failure.

If you’ve been injured or sustained property damage due to a defective lithium-ion battery, you should contact a lithium-ion battery lawyer who specializes in such cases.

Talk to a Lithium-Ion Battery Product Liability Lawyer Today 

Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represents the interests of those injured by defective lithium-ion batteries. Call our Florida personal injury lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin investigating your claim right away.