A federal agency has warned vapers and other consumers to not buy or use individual 18650 lithium ion batteries, which they say pose unique safety hazards. While well-intentioned, the warning is overly broad, and draws some incorrect conclusions, at least for vapers.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a press release on Jan. 8, stating that “Rechargeable lithium cells without proper protection that are not installed in a device or as part of an integral battery…are potentially hazardous to consumers when handled, transported, stored, charged, or used to power devices.”
The agency says the primary risk is carrying loose, unprotected batteries in pockets, where they can “come into contact with metal objects, such as keys or loose change.”
“Once shorted,” the CPSC says, “loose cells can overheat and experience thermal runaway, igniting the cell’s internal materials and forcibly expelling burning contents, resulting in fires, explosions, serious injuries and even death.”