Lithium batteries pose inherently different risks than Alkaline batteries, namely Lithium batteries can burn intensely when they fail, whereas Alkaline batteries typically only corrode. Many people are familiar with the Lithium fire risk from the widespread news stories about recalled laptop batteries and the recent Boeing plane issue. However, we found that most people did not even realize that AA size batteries were available in Lithium.

People should understand that Lithium batteries of any form factor pose a theoretical fire risk not posed by many alternatives, including Alkaline. While there is little statistical data on failure rates, there is evidence that Chinese manufactured AA lithium batteries are of lower quality and higher risk than Energizer brand (the only U.S. battery maker currently selling AA size Lithium batteries).

The risk of battery fire, while small, should nonetheless be considered in applications, and balanced against the benefits. For example, Lithium batteries were projected to have a 10% greater life over Alkaline, and the Lithium batteries cost approximately 10% less. This small benefit is negligible even in light of a very small risk of failure, since the consequences of a fire would be enormous.

To give you an idea of how Lithium batteries fail:

“The internal battery material self-ignited, and the built-up pressure in the battery burst one end of the battery, effectively turning the battery into a small rocket. The burning battery ejected from the device and flew about ten feet horizontally before hitting a column. The device’s battery compartment had a plastic cover attached with two small screws. The heat of the fire softened the plastic and the projectile force of the battery knocked the device cover right off. The device was positioned about six feet above the floor, and the battery exited the device at approximately a twenty degree angle of elevation. Had the battery not hit an obstruction, its trajectory would have carried the burning battery thirty or forty feet across the room. Had the burning battery landed on combustible material, a fire would certainly have resulted. Fortunately, the battery landed on noncombustible flooring and burned out, causing no further damage.”

WOW! Are you considering the use of Lithium batteries? If so, give one of the EHS folks a call to assess the benefits and risk.