They are found everywhere. The lithium-ion batteries in our mobile phones, wireless headphones, tablet PCs, portable chargers, remote controls, small and large home appliances and electric vehicles power our world. For such an everyday, ubiquitous item, lithium-ion batteries are astonishingly dangerous things.

Lithium-ion battery cells combine a flammable electrolyte with a lot of stored energy. If the battery creates more heat than it can disperse (for example, because of overcharging), this can lead to a rapid uncontrolled release of heat energy, known as thermal runaway, that leads to an explosive, very high-temperature fire. Once on fire, the burning battery cells will release further highly flammable and toxic gases from their casings. What makes such fires even more dangerous is that they generate their own oxygen and therefore are very difficult to put out with traditional fire extinguishers.

The recent fire at the Aricell lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Hwaseong is indicative that a disaster had been waiting to happen. As more facts emerge in the aftermath of the tragic event that has left twenty-three dead, and eight seriously injured, it is clear that this was more than just an accident. It was a direct result of gross, possibly even criminal, negligence. The CCTV footage from the fire shows that the blaze started in one small spot. White smoke rises up and other batteries nearby quickly catch on fire. Employees try to move the burning batteries........

© The Korea Times