Three people were taken to Dunedin Hospital yesterday after accidentally inhaling chemical vapour from a lithium ion battery at a South Dunedin store.
Lithium ion batteries are lightweight, high-density rechargeable energy stores used in electric devices from e-bikes, e-scooters and electric cars to vapes and power tools.
A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said appliances from St Kilda and Dunedin were called to Cash Converters in King Edward St about 12.30pm, where they found the battery "gassing".
"I’m not sure if it was damaged, but sometimes if lithium ion batteries get hot, they start gassing off chemical vapour of some sort from the battery.
"We sent a crew from St Kilda Fire Station and Dunedin City Fire Station and we put the battery in a bucket of water to cool down.
"We monitored it there for a while and left the scene in the hands of the building owner."
A St John spokeswoman said two ambulances and an operations manager were sent to the scene about 1.50pm, after three people were affected by "a chemical incident".
"They transported three patients, all in minor conditions," she said.
The Fenz spokesman said the batteries were becoming more prevalent and Fenz occasionally attended incidents of gassing.
The Fenz website said the batteries could be a fire hazard if they were damaged, mishandled, or improperly disposed of.
If a lithium ion-powered device or battery starts to smoke or emit flames, Fenz recommended people evacuate immediately and close doors behind them to slow the spread of fire, before calling 111.
"If anyone has been exposed to battery fluids, debris, smoke, vapours, or flames, seek urgent medical assistance.
"If a small battery or device such as a vape or phone starts overheating, unplug it from the power outlet if it is charging.
"If possible, move it outside, away from any flammable material and windows or doorways.
"Small devices can be dropped into a bucket of water if this can be done safely."
The website said the battery’s gases, vapour and smoke were highly toxic and flammable, and must not be inhaled.
"If your device starts to smoke or release fumes, evacuate immediately to a safe location and call 111."
