The recent and devastating fire in Seville, Spain, caused by the explosion of a mobile phone battery, has raised some concerns. The tragedy resulted in the death of a family of four, reigniting the dangers associated with lithium batteries, which power not only mobile phones but a wide range of everyday technological devices.
Despite advances in safety and the built-in defenses in most smartphones, this incident raises an unavoidable question: Are our electronic devices truly safe? Although experts agree that the possibility of an explosion is very low, certain factors can lead to these rare events occurring.
The Guillena incident is not the only documented case linked to lithium batteries in mobile devices ending in disaster. In 2016, Samsung was forced to recall its Galaxy Note 7 model, one of its iconic products, after several devices exploded due to battery design flaws. This event shed light on lithium-ion batteries, which, while remarkably efficient in storing energy, can pose risks under circumstances such as overheating or structural deterioration.
Why Lithium Batteries Can Explode
The origin of this danger lies in the nature of lithium, a highly reactive and thermally unstable material under certain conditions. Batteries made of this material, found in most current mobile devices, operate by storing energy through the transfer of ions between two electrodes.
If this delicate balance is disrupted, such as by overheating or physical damage to the battery, it could trigger a chain reaction that produces high temperatures, and in exceptional cases, an explosion. In the Guillena fire incident, the mobile phone was left charging on a sofa overnight, leading to heat accumulation on a flammable surface, resulting in the tragic outcome.
Battery Precautions: Avoid Leaving the Phone Charging Overnight
Although most manufacturers have implemented sophisticated protections to prevent battery overheating, these are not foolproof. Many companies, such as Apple and Samsung, incorporate optimized charging systems in their devices, which reduce the amount of energy supplied to the battery when it reaches 80% to 85% of its capacity, helping to extend the device's lifespan and prevent overheating.
However, these devices require users to handle them properly and follow fundamental suggestions, such as not leaving the phone connected overnight or avoiding non-original chargers.
Not the First Battery Explosion Case
A recent case highlighting the tragic consequences of using defective or mishandled lithium batteries occurred in Vietnam in 2020 when a girl died after her iPhone exploded overnight. Scientists found that the charger she used was not original and did not meet safety standards, leading to an electrical overload that heated the battery and caused it to decompose. This case reinforces the warning about using low-quality chargers, a common cause of accidents with these devices. It is essential to use original or manufacturer-certified chargers and immediately discard those showing signs of wear, such as twisted cables or loose plugs.
Avoid Placing the Phone Charging on Certain Surfaces
The surfaces where we charge our devices also play a crucial role. Placing a mobile phone on textiles like sofas, beds, or rugs, as in the Guillena incident, significantly increases the likelihood of the battery overheating.
These surfaces hinder proper ventilation, preventing the heat generated during the charging process from dissipating effectively. Under normal circumstances, lithium batteries are designed to withstand a certain level of heat; however, when exposed to excessive heat, the chemical compounds inside them become unstable, triggering a dangerous reaction that can culminate in an explosion.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure
It is crucial to note that heat is one of the most severe adversaries for lithium batteries. Leaving the mobile phone exposed to the sun, near a heat source like a radiator, or inside a vehicle during the hottest months can significantly reduce the battery's lifespan and increase the likelihood of accidents.
In many of these cases, the battery may swell, indicating that something is wrong and there could be a risk of explosion if not handled carefully. A notable case was that of an American woman who suffered severe burns after her mobile phone, left in the sun in her car, exploded while she tried to retrieve it.
Impacts Can Damage the Battery
Overheating risk is not the only concern. Impacts and physical damage can also compromise the safety of lithium batteries. While we often worry about the screen when our phone falls, the impact can internally damage the battery cells, increasing the risk of a short circuit. In the worst-case scenario, this type of damage can lead to the same overheating and explosion effect mentioned. A similar situation occurred in India when a woman suffered severe facial injuries in 2019 after her phone exploded following a strong impact a few days earlier.
Despite all these dangers, it is crucial to highlight that most current mobile devices have various protection systems and safety mechanisms to prevent lithium battery explosions. However, as seen, extreme situations and misuse of the device can surpass these protective barriers, turning something as routine as charging the phone into a risk. Fast charging, one of the most valued features by users, can cause extra heating in the battery. While this technology is designed to be safe, it is essential to ensure that the phone is in a properly ventilated environment during the charging process.