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Los Angeles Fire Cleanup Complicated by ‘Unprecedented’ Number of EVs with Combustible Lithium-Ion Batteries
The ongoing effort to clean up the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles has been significantly complicated by an “unprecedented” number of electric vehicles (EVs) containing combustible lithium-ion batteries, authorities have warned.
“We’re seeing a massive amount of lithium-ion batteries from destroyed EVs, and it’s creating a huge challenge for us,” said Robert VanGerpen, a hazardous materials response expert. “Fires, potentially causing lithium-ion batteries to spontaneously combust. With the lithium-ion batteries, even if they look like they are intact they could have damage on the inside, so they continue to off gas and the off-gas from these batteries can be toxic to your health.”
As crews work to clear debris from the affected areas, they’re encountering a significant number of damaged EVs containing lithium-ion batteries. These batteries pose a unique risk as they can spontaneously combust, releasing toxic fumes into the environment.
Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used in electric vehicles, personal electronics, vaping devices, power tools, and home energy storage systems. However, when damaged or exposed to heat, they can rapidly degrade and release flammable gases.
VanGerpen emphasized that even if the batteries appear intact on the outside, internal damage could still be present, making them hazardous to handle.
The presence of these batteries has added a new layer of complexity to the cleanup efforts. “EPA is doing everything within our power to expedite cleanup of hazardous debris and to help provide Californians safer access to their property as soon as possible,” Acting Deputy Administrator Chad McIntosh stated.
As authorities work to mitigate this risk, residents are being warned to exercise extreme caution when approaching any damaged or destroyed vehicles.
Source: http://www.foxnews.com
