Without going into technical details, just know that a battery is designed to store and release energy. When energy is released in a slow, controlled way = good. When released too rapidly and uncontrolled = bad.
The technology that goes into high-capacity, low density batteries is very cutting edge and not cheap. When parts are made with sub-par materials the battery integrity is GREATLY diminished and potentially volatile. The battery charger has equal design consideration and importance. Cheap, replacement chargers can break down the internal materials of good batteries. All of these tragedies stemmed from cheap, knock-off parts and accessories from China. [China has no laws forcing any kind of quality assurance or company liability.]
Important things to know!!
- Deaths were due to the phone being used or kept near vital parts of the body. e.g. Head, organs &/or arteries.
- When your cellphone is NOT in use make sure you keep it away from vital parts of the body; e.g. shirt pockets or front pants pockets (near the femoral artery). It's best to keep your cellphone in a bag, tote, backpack or briefcase that shields your body and could contain any explosion. IF YOU MUST wear a cellphone on a belt holster then be sure to keep it battery side OUT!
- The part that explodes is the battery. In this recent case the victim had just replaced his cellphone battery with a new, cheap, no-name battery.
- At all times you should use a wired or wireless headset to talk on your cellphone. It's not only a good idea when driving (walking, biking, etc), and in many states it's become LAW, but it allows you to keep the phone a safe distance from your body.
- If you buy a new battery make sure you purchase an OEM battery, preferably from your wireless carrier's store or direct from a mfrs store. Buying a battery that's labeled "Meets or exceeds OEM specification" isn't the same. Most mfrs have a holographic logo or official seal of authenticity they put on genuine merchandise. Look for it.
- Same goes for wall or car chargers! Make sure you are buying a charger made by the mfrs or your cellphone carrier. Look for an authentic logo. Buying a cheap, knock-off charger can deteriorate &/or weaken the linings inside a cellphone battery, turning your cellphone into a time bomb! [I've seen car chargers for cellphones in the Dollar Store. I think your life and health are worth more than $1.]
- TEACH YOUR CHILDREN HOW TO PROPERLY USE AND CARRY A CELLPHONE. I can't stress this enough. Obtain for them and teach them how to use a headset. Train them to carry unused cellphones in their backpack or bag. Make sure your child does NOT hold the cellphone next to their head for long periods of time, even when the phone is off. How many times have you seen a toddler pretending to talk on mommy's or daddy's cellphone?
A few last comments:
Before you think that it's OK to ignore these common sense tips because you use name brand batteries and accessories, remember there have been dozens and dozens of reported fires and explosions from laptop batteries. Almost every major mfrs has had one OR MORE laptop battery recall campaigns. I mention this to reinforce the fact that battery technology is a) Not perfect, and b) Even when the best materials from top name mfrs are used there still exists a risk from devices designed to store and retain a lot of energy.
That said: Keep in mind the wave of "Green" technology sweeping the country. Many people think it's best to buy a new Hybrid car...which has a HUGE battery on board, made of similar technology as cellphones and laptops. Ask yourself if it's worth an extra $5,000-$10,000 in added cost just to get an extra 2-10 MPG given that you are driving around with a potential bomb on board. And remember I mentioned above that you should never carry your cellphone near vital organs or body parts. The huge battery in hybrid cars is almost always next to the gas tank. Food for thought.
Stay healthy!
No comments:
Post a Comment