Are Lithium Batteries Dangerous?

Dec 03, 2025

Lithium-ion batteries power nearly everything we use today—smartphones, laptops, tablets, toothbrushes, and even electric cars. These rechargeable tools have revolutionized modern life, but they often come with risks. If damaged or misused, lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.

Understanding how to handle lithium-ion batteries and spotting warning signs can help protect your home and family.

Safe Care for Lithium-Powered Devices

Parents should regularly inspect lithium-powered items and teach their children how to charge and store them properly. It’s essential not to overcharge a battery.

“This is where we run into a lot of problems with lithium batteries,” says Courtney Lawrence, RN, community outreach coordinator at University of Utah Health’s Burn Center. “We plug them in and leave them overnight or for a couple of days, and they’re sitting there overcharged.”

According to FEMA, lithium-ion battery accidents are mainly caused by two factors:

Overcharging and overheating. Overcharging a battery beyond its capacity can lead to overheating and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Cycling and aging. Batteries also degrade over time due to repeated charging cycles.

But lithium batteries aren’t just limited to household gadgets. They also power many recreational items, including vaping devices. Parents of teens should talk to their kids about the serious impact vaping can have on lung health, as well as the dangers associated with lithium-ion batteries.

In 2023, U of U Health’s Burn Center treated nine patients for burns caused by vapes that exploded or caught fire. Helping young people understand the risks may discourage them from experimenting with e-cigarettes.

Please note: Lithium-ion batteries should never be thrown away in the trash—damaged batteries can start a dumpster fire. Instead, recycle them safely.

Safety Tips for Charging and Storing Devices

Use the original charger and adapter that came with your device, and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Unplug once fully charged—and don’t leave devices plugged in for days.
Charge on a hard, dry surface, never on a bed or couch where the device can build up and trap heat.
Stop using your device if the battery overheats, shows signs of damage, smells odd, changes color, or makes popping sounds.
Replace damaged batteries immediately—they’re a fire risk.
Keep charging areas clear of exists[NM2] for emergency safety.
Avoid leaving devices in extreme heat or direct sunlight—garages and sheds can get dangerously hot.
Check the battery type in new toys and talk with children about how to safely handle lithium.

“We don’t realize how many items kids play with that have lithium batteries,” Lawrence says. “Many kids are on e-bikes and e-scooters nowadays, and they’re not thinking about damaging a battery when they let them fall over.”

Treating a Burn and When to Seek Care

Lithium battery-powered items can cause two types of burns—contact burns and flame burns. U of U Health’s Burn Center recommends seeking medical treatment for any deep or large-area burns.

To treat a burn quickly, follow the four Cs:

Cool: To prevent further tissue damage, rinse the burn with cool—not cold—water for at least five minutes.
Clean: To prevent infection, clean the area with a mild soap and water.
Cover: For minor burns, cover with a dressing, such as a Band-Aid or dry gauze with bacitracin or Neosporin. Use a clean linen for larger burns.
Call: If the burn blisters (second-degree) or appears white or charred (third-degree), seek emergency care immediately.

Awareness and supervision can help prevent lithium battery-related fires and injuries. By understanding the risks involved and remaining vigilant, parents can help keep their children safe and prevent potential unnecessary accidents.

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