Environmental Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, February 9, 2023

In today’s world, lithium batteries can be found in everything from mobile phones and e-cigarettes to cordless tools, laptop computers, electric cars, and industrial battery backup and energy storage systems. These batteries have allowed for exceptional mobility and have changed the way people live their lives.

Unfortunately, lithium batteries that that fail to operate safely or are damaged or defective can catch fire and be extremely difficult to extinguish. Damage to lithium batteries can occur instantaneously or over time from physical damage, thermal variations, erroneous charging or from control system failures. These types of fires can cause significant harm, for example, this past November, a 3-alarm fire in a high-rise injured at least 38 people. According to the New York City Fire Department, the blaze was caused by a lithium ion battery that caught fire.

“Even the Occupational Safety and Health Administration reports that lithium batteries are generally safe and unlikely to fail, but only so long as there are no defects and the batteries are not damaged,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “If a fire does occur, it’s not just the flames that could be a hazard. There could be a toxic gas emission that could include hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen gas. There could be also be exposure risks to particulates containing nickel, cobalt, manganese, lithium, iron and other substances.”

Helping to identify exposure risks following a lithium ion battery fire are the scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. They offer environmental and industrial hygiene testing services and sampling supplies to detect a wide range of potential exposure hazards. These tests can help to protect workers tasked with remediating fire damage and also any future building occupants.

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about lithium batteries and environmental, health and safety concerns that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/YAALnww_JVU 

To learn more about this or other environmental, industrial hygiene and material testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.