Australian regulator warns consumers of lithium-ion battery risks

Health & Leisure
Friday, 06 October 2023

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned consumers about ‘rare but serious fire hazards’ from lithium-ion batteries and is telling consumers to choose, check, use and dispose of the batteries safely. 


Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are used in most mobile phones, laptops, tablets, e-scooters, e-bikes and power tools as well as in other devices.
Incidents are rare, but can be serious when they occur. The batteries can overheat or explode if they are used, charged or disposed of incorrectly or if they are damaged - and fires caused by the batteries can be difficult to extinguish. 

“We are concerned by increasing reports of lithium-ion battery fires resulting in property damage and serious injuries, including burns, chemical exposure and smoke inhalation,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.

One Australian reportedly died in a lithium-ion battery fire and the ACCC has received 231 product safety reports relating to lithium-ion batteries in the past five years. 

There have also been 23 recalls affecting an estimated 89,000 products on the market. 
More at the ACCC web site.

Australian regulator warns consumers of lithium-ion battery risks

Health & Leisure
Friday, 06 October 2023

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has warned consumers about ‘rare but serious fire hazards’ from lithium-ion batteries and is telling consumers to choose, check, use and dispose of the batteries safely. 


Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are used in most mobile phones, laptops, tablets, e-scooters, e-bikes and power tools as well as in other devices.
Incidents are rare, but can be serious when they occur. The batteries can overheat or explode if they are used, charged or disposed of incorrectly or if they are damaged - and fires caused by the batteries can be difficult to extinguish. 

“We are concerned by increasing reports of lithium-ion battery fires resulting in property damage and serious injuries, including burns, chemical exposure and smoke inhalation,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said.

One Australian reportedly died in a lithium-ion battery fire and the ACCC has received 231 product safety reports relating to lithium-ion batteries in the past five years. 

There have also been 23 recalls affecting an estimated 89,000 products on the market. 
More at the ACCC web site.