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What Are the Dangers of Flashlight Batteries?

According to the Environment, Health and Safety Online website, the average American household uses 32 batteries each year, including flashlight batteries. While the abundance of flashlights and other electronic devices makes battery use a necessity, there are potential dangers accompanying their use. Special care needs to be taken when storing or installing flashlight batteries.

  1. Leakage

    • If a flashlight or other electronic device is not used for an extended period of time, the chemicals inside the batteries could begin to leak. As a result, the device may no longer operate properly. There is also a danger that the chemicals could escape and damage other items, such as when a flashlight is left in a drawer with other supplies.

    Burns

    • Some types of batteries contain substances that can cause damage to skin. For example, alkaline batteries contain potassium hydroxide, which can cause severe burns if it comes in contact with human flesh.

    Explosion

    • Batteries can be dangerous if they are exposed to extreme heat. In the event of a house fire, the temperature can get to the point where the batteries actually explode and spew their dangerous chemicals. If a child tosses a battery from a toy into a fireplace, an explosion may also result.

    On the Job

    • Workers may also be exposed to dangers from flashlight batteries. There have been reports of firefighters being injured by exploding batteries in their flashlights while battling a blaze. The exploding batteries have also been known to trigger larger explosions in fires and in workplaces with hot environments, such as steel mills.

    Mixing Batteries and Improper Installation

    • Danger can also result from mixing batteries, such as placing old and new batteries in a device or combining different types of batteries. Also, problems may arise if the batteries are installed improperly, such as being placed with their polarity in the opposite direction. In these instances, the buildup of excess hydrogen gas may result in explosion.

    Environmental Hazards

    • Flashlight batteries that are disposed of improperly instead of recycled can create environmental hazards. Escaping lead and acid can pollute water and air. Batteries placed in landfills may leak, also polluting the environment. If old batteries are burned, their chemicals may vaporize into the air, also causing pollution.

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