What happens when lithium batteries are exposed to saltwater? Battery failure isn’t the biggest threat. Fire is possible, and it could spread to buildings and lead to injuries. There can also be a significant delay between saltwater exposure and combustion, putting file handlers at risk.
About Lithium Batteries
While lithium batteries are made for single-use applications, lithium-ion batteries can be recharged and used again and again. Although these terms may be used interchangeably in conversation, if a lithium battery can be recharged, it’s actually a lithium-ion battery. You can also check the battery’s case to see if it’s labeled “Li-ion,” which stands for lithium-ion.
Lithium-ion batteries are powerful batteries used in many modern electronic devices, from laptop computers and smartphones to electric vehicles. They are also used to store solar energy.
The Department of Energy says lithium-ion batteries have been growing in popularity because they are lightweight and have a high energy density plus the ability to recharge.
Lithium Battery Saltwater Exposure
Although lithium batteries are a practical energy solution, they are not without drawbacks. One issue is that saltwater exposure can cause fires. According to the U.S. Coast Guard News, saltwater can degrade lithium batteries, and this can result in a chemical reaction with an extreme fire risk.
The degradation and chemical reaction process can take time, meaning that lithium-ion batteries do not typically catch fire immediately after exposure to saltwater. The International Association of Fire Services states lithium-ion battery fires can occur hours, days or even weeks after exposure to saltwater. This variability makes it difficult to predict when a fire might occur, and there have been reports of fires erupting in electric vehicle batteries while the vehicles were being towed.
A Growing Hazard in Hurricane Recovery
Although saltwater exposure is not usually an issue, it can become a major hazard during a hurricane with a significant storm surge. If a home or business is flooded, smartphones, laptops, digital cameras and other devices with lithium-ion batteries may be exposed to saltwater, creating the risk of fire. Solar energy storage units and electric vehicles are also at risk.
The International Association of Fire Services says there were 48 lithium-ion battery fires related to Hurricane Helene, and 11 of those fires involved electric vehicles.
How Claims Professionals Can Manage Lithium Battery Risks
As solar energy and electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, the risk of lithium-ion battery fires can also be expected to grow. Claims professionals handling hurricane losses should be ready.
- Warn claimants about the risk. When a policyholder submits a claim involving saltwater flooding and electric vehicles or other devices with lithium-ion batteries, it’s important to warn them about the fire risk. North Carolina Emergency Management warns that you should not attempt to go near, charge or drive a lithium-ion-powered vehicle if it has been exposed to water. Stay at least 50 feet from it, and avoid storing it indoors or near structures.
- Watch for signs of fire. North Carolina Emergency Management says you should call 9-1-1 if a lithium-ion battery in a vehicle or other equipment emits an odor, the color or shape changes, there is an increase in heat, or it is leaking or smoking.
- Stay safe. The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services says lithium-ion battery fires can spread quickly and aggressively, and they may become explosive or reignite. Furthermore, fire extinguishers do not work on them, and water may not prevent a battery from burning. Instead of trying to handle the fire yourself, you should leave the area and call 9-1-1.
- Don’t put lithium-ion batteries in the trash. In addition to the fire hazard, there are other environmental risks. Lithium-ion batteries should be disposed of at battery recycling locations. Contact your local battery recycle location for details.
Lithium battery fire risks are just one of the many things file handlers need to deal with. VCA’s claim management software can streamline claim workflows and accelerate time to close. Learn more.
