What Toxic Chemicals are Released in Battery Fires?
Provided by: Science Journal for Kids|Published on: June 9, 2026|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Scientific Reports
Subjects: Health, Engineering
Authors: Science Journal for Kids
Location: North America
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This adaptation of a peer-reviewed article explains the potential risk to human health when lithium-ion batteries catch fire.
- The article covers the makeup of lithium-ion batteries, the causes of thermal runaway, and the impacts of this on the health of first responders.
Teaching Materials
Preparation:
- Create an account to access the Teacher’s Key.
Climate Change Connection:
- Electrification and storage of renewable energy may mean increased use of lithium-ion batteries. This article provides more information for a nuanced understanding of energy storage.
- Discuss particulate matter and how it is also present when burning fossil fuels. Invite students to think about the drawbacks of battery usage compared with those related to fossil fuels.
Misconceptions:
- This article may make students question the safety of electrification compared to that of fossil fuels. To address this, follow with a discussion about the health impacts of fossil fuel use and extraction.
Related Resources:
- Use this resource for a more in-depth look at particle pollution and its impacts on health.
Differentiation:
- Provide students with the read-aloud version of this article, pointing to the options to slow down the playback speed or add subtitles as needed.
This resource is an adaptation of a peer-reviewed article that details the harmful chemicals produced from lithium-ion battery fires and their impact on lung tissue. The text is clear and features a comprehensive glossary of important terms. This resource presents health risks associated with a technology that is often important in climate action and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
