U.S. Coast Guard warns of fire hazards when exposing Lithium-Ion batteries to saltwater
The U.S. Coast Guard issued an official warning to the shipping industry regarding the loading of electric vehicles with damaged Lithium-ion batteries onto vessels traveling through salt water. The exposure of salt water to these batteries can create a chemical reaction that causes a severe fire risk to the vessel and product. Lithium-ion batteries are highly flammable, and exposure to salt water can cause the batteries to ignite and cause a fire. Additionally, if the battery casing is damaged, salt water can enter the battery and cause a short circuit, leading to thermal runaway, a dangerous condition in which the temperature of the battery increases rapidly.
Lithium-ion batteries contain toxic chemicals such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium, which can leach into the water and cause environmental harm if the battery is damaged and leaks - which creates an environmental risk. If the battery is damaged during transport, it can pose a hazard to other vehicles, passengers, and cargo.
Tragedy struck New York as journalist Fazil Khan, 27, lost his life in a devastating apartment fire caused by a micromobility device's lithium-ion battery.