Cell Phone Batteries Alert PDF Print E-mail
Tuesday, 24 July 2007 07:00
    You may not think of cell phones as dangerous but as their use rises, so does the risk of fires and other unexpected mishaps. There have been scattered reports of cell phones exploding and catching fire and even of cell phones emitting sparks that ignite gasoline fires.
    Latest investigations have been found into the death of a 22-year-old Chinese man whose cell phone exploded. News reports said that Chinese authorities have found batteries that may blow up especially when used in Motorolla and Nokia cell phones.
   Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, which are commonly found in today's cellular phones, have been found to contain a lot of energy in a small package. Li-Ion batteries are more sensitive to physical stress than alkaline batteries found in toys and flashlights and need to be treated with more care.
    To avoid such incident, here are the safety tips from the cell phone industry's lobbying arm:

1. Do not use incompatible cell phone batteries and chargers. Some Web sites and second-hand dealers, not associated with reputable manufacturers and carriers, might be selling incompatible or even counterfeit batteries and chargers. Consumers should purchase manufacturer or carrier recommended products and accessories. If unsure about whether a replacement battery or charger is compatible, contact the manufacturer of the battery or charger.

2. Do not permit a battery out of the phone to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.

3. Do not crush, puncture or put a high degree of pressure on the battery as this can cause an internal short-circuit, resulting in overheating.

4. Avoid dropping the cell phone. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the phone and battery. If you suspect damage to the phone or battery, take it to a service center for inspection.

5. Do not place the phone in areas that may get very hot, such as on or near a cooking surface, cooking appliance, iron, or radiator.

6. Do not get your phone or battery wet. Even though they will dry and appear to operate normally, the circuitry could slowly corrode and pose a safety hazard.

7. Follow battery usage, storage and charging guidelines found in the user's guide.

   

        Investigations on cell phone battery explosions are still ongoing. Consumers on the other hand, are requested to do their part by following some basic safety steps in their day-to-day use of cell phone batteries.

          
 

 

 

Sources:  http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/cpsc_cell_batteries.htm;

                 Gregg Keizer Computerworld (US online), July 10, 2007

        

 
        
 
Last Updated on Friday, 03 August 2007 08:29