Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries: Staying Safe in Oregon
The Hidden Dangers Of Lithium-Ion Batteries: Protecting Yourself in Beaverton and Portland, Oregon
In today’s world, lithium-ion batteries power many aspects of our daily lives. From smartphones and laptops to electric scooters and power tools, these compact energy sources have become products that are hard to live without. While all lithium-ion batteries, even those from reputable sources, carry inherent risks, cheap, poorly manufactured batteries are more prone to defects and safety issues. The increased use of lithium batteries and the rise of inexpensive, poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries have led to numerous fires, explosions, and injuries.
In February 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Status Report on High Energy Density Batteries Project reported over 25,000 overheating or fire incidents involving more than 400 types of lithium battery-powered consumer products over a five-year period. Consumers in Beaverton, Portland, and the surrounding Oregon areas need to understand the risks, know how to protect themselves, and know what to do if a battery injures them.
Understanding the Problem
Lithium-ion batteries are designed to deliver high energy density in a small package, making them highly efficient. Yet, their very design—which includes flammable electrolyte materials—makes them vulnerable to failure, especially if manufactured improperly or damaged. Cheap lithium batteries, which can be produced by unregulated manufacturers, are particularly prone to defects that can lead to overheating, fires, or explosions.
What Dangers Do Lithium-Ion Batteries Pose?
Lithium-ion batteries are high-performance rechargeable batteries commonly used in electric vehicles and personal devices such as cell phones, laptops, vape pens, and hoverboards. Since many of these devices are carried or used close to the body, malfunctions can lead to severe injuries.
Some potential injuries include:
Severe burns
Facial injuries
Fractures and broken bones
Puncture wounds and bleeding
Injuries from inhalation of smoke and toxic gases
Loss of a body part
Vision or hearing impairment
Fatalities
What Causes Lithium-Ion Batteries to Explode or Ignite?
Lithium-ion batteries can ignite or explode due to factors such as physical damage, exposure to extreme heat or cold, submersion in water, or overcharging. These conditions may trigger a phenomenon called “thermal runaway,” where the battery cells cannot release heat properly, leading to ignition or explosion.
While consumers can take safety precautions to minimize the risk of lithium-ion battery-related injuries, malfunctions can still occur even when devices are stored and used correctly. In some cases, these incidents are caused by defects in the product's design or manufacturing process.
Common Issues with Cheap Lithium-Ion Batteries
Poor Quality Control: Inexpensive batteries may lack the rigorous testing and quality control measures found in reputable brands. UL Research Institute, What makes counterfeit batteries unsafe?
Counterfeit Products: Some cheap batteries are knockoffs of trusted brands but do not meet the same safety standards. UL Solutions. UL Research Institute, What makes counterfeit batteries unsafe?
Inadequate Protections: Features like thermal protection circuits or overcharge prevention mechanisms may be omitted to cut costs. UL Research Institute, What makes counterfeit batteries unsafe?
Improper Storage or Use: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage, use, charging, and maintenance. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2019, June 20). Preventing fire and/or explosion injury from small and wearable lithium battery powered devices (OSHA SHIB 06-20-2019 - 2019). U.S. Department of Labor. Cheap batteries may come without clear instructions, increasing the likelihood of improper handling.
Tragic Incidents and Legal Cases
Heat, smoke, the release of toxic gases, and the potential for explosions are some of the dangers associated with lithium-ion battery fires. National Fire Protection Association. Lithium-ion batteries: Home fire safety FAQs. Reports of injuries and property damage caused by lithium batteries have become alarmingly frequent. Some notable cases include:
E-Cigarette Explosions: Users of e-cigarettes have suffered severe burns and facial injuries due to exploding batteries. Read more about e-cigarette explosions.
Hoverboard Fires: A wave of fires caused by faulty batteries in hoverboards prompted recalls. Hoverboard Recall Details.
Smartphone Battery Failures: While some major brands have faced scrutiny, many incidents involve aftermarket or counterfeit batteries. Learn about smartphone battery safety.
Class Action Lawsuit Against a Power Tool Manufacturer: A Chinese power tool manufacturer faces a class action lawsuit over lithium batteries alleged to be fire-prone, leading to significant property damage. Read the full article.
Fires Caused By Lithium-Ion Batteries Displace 11 Portlanders: In September 2025, two separate fires caused by lithium-ion batteries displaced 11 Portlanders from their homes. Both fires were reportedly caused by “thermal runaway” reactions. In response to the fires, Portland Fire & Rescue said that to help avoid battery-caused fires, you shouldn’t charge devices under pillows or furniture, and you should keep batteries away from flammable items, and avoid using batteries that appear damaged in any way. Read the full news article and the Portland Fire & Rescue Press Release.
Victims of such incidents have filed lawsuits alleging negligence, defective product design, and failure to warn consumers. These cases highlight the importance of holding manufacturers accountable for prioritizing profit over safety.
Protecting Yourself as a Consumer in Oregon
Buy from Reputable Manufacturers and Vendors: Avoid purchasing batteries from unverified sellers, especially online marketplaces where counterfeits are common. Source: Lithium-Ion Battery: A Consumer Safety Guide, New York State: Division of Consumer Protection, Published 2024.
Look for Nationally Recognized Certifications: Always purchase and use devices certified by nationally recognized testing laboratories like Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Source: New York City Fire Department. Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries.
Follow Manufacturer Guidelines: Use and charge batteries as instructed. Always use the correct battery, cord, and power adapter. Source: New York City Fire Department. Dangers of Lithium-Ion Batteries.
Inspect Products: Check your batteries for signs of damage. Stop using lithium-ion batteries if you notice an odor, change in color, too much heat, change in shape, leaking, or odd noises. Source: U.S. Fire Administration. Battery safety: Prevent fires caused by batteries.
Check for Recalls Before Buying: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regularly reports when a lithium-ion battery product has an identified fire safety hazard. Before buying, check if a product has been recalled by reviewing the CPSC database at www.cpsc.gov/Recalls.
Dispose of Batteries Safely: Properly recycle old batteries to prevent accidents and environmental harm. Lithium-ion batteries and the devices that contain them should not go in household garbage or recycling bins. They can cause fires during transport or at landfills and recyclers. Follow local regulations or use disposal sites recommended by organizations like Call2Recycle. Here are instructions on recycling lithium batteries in the City of Portland and Beaverton, or contact Metro.
Damaged batteries must be taken to a hazardous waste facility. Never put damaged batteries in the trash or the curbside battery recycling program. Damaged lithium-ion batteries need special handling and disposal. Here are instructions from the City of Portland on handling and disposing of a damaged battery. City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Battery recycling. In the Portland metro area, you can take damaged batteries to a Household Hazardous Waste Facility for safe disposal. Contact Metro at 503-234-3000 for assistance.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured By A Lithium-ion Battery
Call 911: If a lithium battery has injured you, move to a safe location and immediately call 911 to request assistance. Safely alert others who might be in danger.
Seek Medical Attention: Obtain prompt medical treatment for your injuries.
Ask Fire Personnel to Save the Battery and Device: Ask if your local fire department can preserve the battery, device, and any related components as evidence.
Keep the Packaging and Instructions: Retain the original packaging, user manual, and any receipts. These documents can provide crucial information about the product’s origin and safety warnings.
Take Photos: When safe to do so, document the damaged battery or device and any injuries or property damage caused by the incident. Photos can serve as valuable evidence.
Report the Incident: File a report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or a similar agency. Reporting helps raise awareness and may prevent future incidents.
Contact a Products Liability Lawyer: Consult with an experienced product liability attorney to evaluate your case and explore your legal options.
Legal Options for Victims in Portland and Beaverton
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective lithium battery, you may have legal recourse. Product liability claims can help hold manufacturers and sellers accountable. Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering.
Conclusion
The convenience of lithium batteries should not come at the expense of your safety. By staying informed, you can minimize your risk and help prevent tragedy. If you’ve been affected by a defective battery, seeking legal advice can be an important step toward justice.
At the Law Office of Benjamin B. Grandy, PC, located near Beaverton and Portland, we are committed to supporting victims of defective products in seeking justice and compensation. Contact us today at 503-626-6221 for a free consultation.
Last Updated: 1-25-2025
