A study published in Environmental Science & Technology has found no evidence that flame retardants in lithium-ion battery enclosures provide fire safety benefits.
The research, conducted by the Green Science Policy Institute, warns that these chemicals may pose serious health risks while failing to prevent or slow battery fires.
The study highlights concerns over the widespread use of flame retardants in plastics surrounding lithium-ion batteries.
It states that these chemicals are linked to cancer and other health issues and often end up in consumer products made from recycled plastics.
Lydia Jahl, a scientist at the Green Science Policy Institute and lead author of the study, said: “The use of flame retardants in plastic battery enclosures has no demonstrated benefit and poses threats that can last generations.”
Lithium-ion batteries are used in electric vehicles, e-bikes, and personal electronics, leading to increased safety regulations.
Some standards require plastic enclosures to meet “flame ratings,” which manufacturers achieve by adding flame retardants.
However, the study reports that there is no public research confirming that these chemicals effectively reduce the risk of battery fires.
Vyto Babrauskas, a fire safety expert, compared the practice to an ineffective solution: “Trying to stop thermal runaway fires by adding flame retardants to plastic is like adding a screen door to a submarine. It’s a futile effort against an overwhelming force.”
The research warns that commonly used flame retardants, including organohalogens and organophosphates, are linked to cancer, neurological disorders, and reproductive issues.
Exposure can occur during battery production, product use, and recycling.
The study highlights how these chemicals migrate into household dust, potentially affecting vulnerable populations such as young children and pregnant women.
The paper also references past cases where flame retardant regulations led to health risks without improving fire safety.
One example is a former California furniture flammability standard that was linked to lower IQ levels in children and a higher risk of cancer.
When the regulation changed to allow compliance without flame retardants, furniture fire incidents did not increase.
The study suggests that improving battery management systems and preventing the use of defective batteries would be more effective in reducing fire risks.
Arlene Blum, co-author and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute, said: “The best solution for both public health and fire safety is to prevent battery fires from occurring in the first place.”
Instead of relying on flame retardants, the authors recommend industry-wide measures such as stricter quality controls on battery manufacturing and improved thermal management systems.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology by the Green Science Policy Institute has found no evidence that flame retardants in lithium-ion battery enclosures provide fire safety benefits.
Researchers warn that these chemicals, commonly used to meet fire safety standards, pose serious health risks and often end up in recycled consumer products.
The study states that there is no public research confirming that flame retardants can prevent or slow fires caused by lithium-ion battery thermal runaway.
Fire scientist Vyto Babrauskas compared the practice to using ineffective measures against a powerful force.
The research highlights concerns over exposure to organohalogens and organophosphates, which are linked to cancer, reproductive harm, and neurological disorders.
Instead of flame retardants, the authors recommend alternative fire prevention measures such as improved battery management systems and stricter quality controls to reduce the risk of battery fires.
