When a man who worked in an electronics store change the battery in his mobile phone, the phone exploded killing him. According to reports neither the make nor model of the phone had been determine by authorities. Exploding batteries are not new and several others have been killed by mobile phone batteries.

The article also states that:

Local reports said that this was the ninth recorded cellphone explosion in China since 2002. In the most high profile recent incident, in June 2007, a 22-year-old welder, Xiao Jinpeng, died from chest wounds when his mobile phone exploded while he was at work at an iron mill in Gansu province.

A local government inquiry found that the mobile phone battery had exploded due to the heat of the iron mill. Lithium batteries are widely used in mobile phones – but if they are overcharged or exposed to heat, the inflammable liquid inside can explode.

Motorola and Nokia, two of the world’s biggest mobile phone makers, denied links to the distributors of problem batteries in China, suggesting they were counterfeit.

After the latest incident, the Shin Min Daily News published advice for consumers on how to avoid mobile phone explosions. The tips included:

– Always use original batteries. Be sure that batteries by the manufacturer are meant for your mobile phone.

– Never modify your phone

– Always use original battery chargers

– Do not expose your mobile phone to high temperatures, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight

– Avoid long phone conversations

– Do not make or answer calls when the phone is charging

– Try to keep your phone in a bag instead of in a pocket

– Do not use damaged batteries

Good advice for everyone to follow.

Comments welcome.

Source.