Unused does not mean safe
"The most important factor is self-discharge. Even if the device is turned off, lithium-ion batteries naturally lose charge. If the battery remains discharged for an extended period, it can become unstable and cause a fire. Storage conditions are also crucial. Batteries affected by pressure can overheat and create an internal short circuit. Storing in damp, excessively high, or low temperatures can cause battery malfunctions and increase the risk of combustion," she explains.
The expert also reminds that damaged lithium-ion batteries are dangerous not only to property but also to human health. "If a lithium-ion battery catches fire, toxic substances such as hydrofluoric acid may be released, which can harm the respiratory system. If the battery is physically damaged, toxic electrolytes can also be released – these are hazardous in case of coming into contact with the skin or when inhaled."
As Tolvaisiene points out that we may have more lithium-ion batteries in storage than we think. They are hidden in various devices such as glowing shoes, electronic toys, toothbrushes, wireless earphones and their cases, e-cigarettes, and so on. Drawers containing such devices should be periodically cleared.
It's not worth reviving old devices
"Over time, various components of devices degrade. As a result, a device that’s used again after a long break might be unpredictable or malfunction, even though it worked perfectly before. Additionally, after long storage, plastic housings and wires of devices become brittle and crack. Using such devices or exposing them to moisture can cause short circuits," the expert says.
While such devices pose less of a risk than those with lithium-ion batteries, they can still be dangerous during storage. For example, televisions or monitors contain transformers and other components that generate heat. When stored near flammable materials, they can cause fires.
The expert also points out that we shouldn’t accumulate old electronic devices because they might contain harmful substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, etc. If these devices are damaged or improperly disassembled, the dangerous substances can be released into the environment and pose health risks.
Property and health damage
"Every month, we record at least a few fires or explosions caused by mobile phones, tablets, or smartwatches. Most of them end without serious injuries, but there are some severe cases. For example, a recent incident involved a wearable smart watch that burned its owner. We also frequently see incidents involving devices without lithium-ion batteries, such as old televisions, refrigerators, or other electronics," says Julija Judickiene, Head of the Product and Risk Assessment Department at Compensa Vienna Insurance Group.
According to her, the amount of damage depends on a number of variables such as the device's price. If the malfunction doesn’t result in a major fire and no property is damaged around the device, the damage might be in the tens, or rarely, a few thousand euros. However, there have been instances of larger losses – for example, a battery fire in a hand-held electric drill resulted in over €160,000 worth of damage to a severely burned private house.
When a scooter's battery exploded, fire damage amounted to about €20,000. According to the insurance expert, the painful experiences of recent years and inflation are changing residents' insurance habits. "It’s now rare for someone to take out property insurance covering only the 'walls and pipes' and leaving out home furniture and other property. Many people are now considering risks more broadly, including liability insurance for damages to neighbors. They are also opting for higher insurance amounts, as after the inflation spike, the previously typical amounts are often no longer enough."
When is it urgent to say goodbye?
"One of the most noticeable and common signs that something is wrong with the device is battery swelling. If a lithium-ion battery swells or deforms, it indicates that gases are building up inside due to chemical reactions. This battery poses a high risk of spontaneous combustion or explosion. You should also be concerned if an unused device overheats, emits unusual sounds, or has a strong chemical smell," Tolvaisiene says.
She also notes that any signs of liquid leakage could indicate the leakage of lithium-ion electrolytes, which are highly toxic and flammable, posing a fire hazard. Various cracks, scratches, or damaged connectors mean the device should definitely not be used anymore.
Smoke or the smell of burning plastic is a sign that the device should be removed from the home as quickly as possible, as the risk of fire or explosion is already very high.
How to properly dispose of devices?
She reminds that many cities have collection points where you can drop off electronics waste for free. Some electronics stores also accept old devices for recycling, such as chargers or small electronic items. Larger devices like televisions or monitors can be taken to bulky waste collection sites. If needed, you can also order a service to have the devices picked up from your home.
"If the device is no longer needed but is still working perfectly and hasn’t been stored for too long, it can always be given a second life – for example, by trying to sell it or donate it. The upcoming holiday season is a great time to go through unused devices and pass them on to those who might need them more," the expert advises.
