Beware: Lithium-ion batteries
There has been a rash of deadly lithium-ion battery fires. While most batteries are properly made and are safe, others have manufacturing defects that render the batteries a hazard.
According to Dylan Khoo, an analyst at tech intelligence firm ABI Research,
all lithium-ion batteries use flammable materials that can result in “thermal runaway,” a chain reaction which can lead to a fire or catastrophic explosion.
“This process can be triggered by a battery overheating, being punctured, or an electrical fault like a short circuit,” Khoo said. “In cases where fires occur spontaneously while charging, it is likely due to manufacturing defects.”
Source: Samantha Murphy Kelly. CNN Business
