Experts say lithium batteries are safe if used properly [Video]

Lithium batteries, found in everything from cellphones to electric vehicles, have become a part of our daily lives – but recent fires have prompted concerns about their use.

Experts warn that they can pose a danger if not properly handled, tested or stored.

“Most of the issues we’ve had with lithium ion battery fires are when people don’t charge them according to manufacturers’ stated way of charging them,” explained Franz Tschoegl, the public education officer with Kitchener Fire.

In September, a container with 15,000 kilograms of lithium batteries caught fire at the Port of Montreal. It prompted a shelter-in-place notice, evacuation and an order to close windows, doors and ventilation systems. The problem was blamed on thermal runaway, or an uncontrollable increase in temperature, that caused a chain reaction.

Experts, however, say the risk of fire is low.

“The modern technology, the battery management system in place, the chance it goes to fire when charging overnight, is very small,” said David Yang of Rocksolar …