Battery Case Smell - Should I be concerned?

[kimck99]

Hi,

I purchased a case to store my batteries (see picture below). The case is from Plano and the model number is 5230 in case someone wanted to know.

The batteries I have stored are alkalines, Eneloops/Duraloops, rechargeable lithium ions, and some lithium primaries. Each time I open the lid (which is not sealed tight by any means), I get a "metal" smelling substance/off-gas (for a lack of better word). The smell is noticeable even after one day of storage.

So, I was wondering if I should be concerned with any gas build up in the case if I don't open it for an extended period of time and/or if there are any health concerns. Call me paranoid but thought I just ask you fine folks.

Thanks!

 

[Conan]

I get that smell too each time I open my battery case. I can't answer your other questions though so we'll have to wait for the experts to chime in.

 

[zipplet]

This smell is affectionately called 'flashahol' by some of us here. It's harmless as far as I can tell but don't breathe too much in. If you do, you may find you have a sudden need to purchase more lights...

 

[kimck99]

This smell is affectionately called 'flashahol' by some of us here. It's harmless as far as I can tell but don't breathe too much in. If you do, you may find you have a sudden need to purchase more lights...

Ha, I think it's too late for that... Christmas was very good to me ... from me !

 

[csshih]

mmmm.. flashahol....

 

[Search]

Is flashahol the smell you get when opening a light that has lithium batteries?

Hmm, I've yet to fire up my Li-Ions to know if they do the same thing.

I love the smell.

 

[skillet]

Concerned !?!?!?!? I wish I could get it in a "rearview mirror" hangar...


Awesome!!

GB

 

[Beamhead]

I still haven't found a way to make my sock drawer smell like flashahol.

 

[Josey]

If you're smelling chemicals, you're breathing chemicals into your bloodstream. Hard to tell what it means with any precision, but chances the safety has not been evaluated and chances are that the chemicals are not good for you. I'd store them in a ventilated space.

 

[kimck99]

If you're smelling chemicals, you're breathing chemicals into your bloodstream. Hard to tell what it means with any precision, but chances the safety has not been evaluated and chances are that the chemicals are not good for you. I'd store them in a ventilated space.

Yes, always prudent to store in a ventilated space. The smell is noticeable when I open the lid to the case which is in my home office (approx 10x8 feet room with 9 foot ceiling). I cannot smell the 'fumes' when the lid is closed. So, obviously, the fumes are building up.

Does anyone else have any insight whether I may have a defective battery in the group or if this is normal and the fumes pose no health concerns?

Thanks

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Kimck99,

While that odor is "normal." I don't believe its health effects have been formally studied. We all catch a whiff of it now and then, and we seem to survive but perhaps our judgment when purchasing new flashlights suffers a little...

If you find that you have a sensitivity to the odor, it would be best to open the case outside where there is plenty of ventilation, or in the bathroom with the fan running. As far as I know, no one has had an adverse effect catching a whiff every now and then, but that does not mean that there is no possible danger.

The primary culprit should be the primar lithium CR123 cells. You may want to try storing them separately and see if the problem follows those cells.

Tom

 

[kimck99]

Hi Tom,

Thank you very much for chiming in .

Thankfully, I am not sensitive to the odor. Neverheless, I will store the primary lithium cells separately as you suggest to see if that is the culprit to isolate and further minimize "exposure".

Best regards...

 

[rookiedaddy]

actually... i kinda like the smell of that lithium primaries, guess this is an acquired taste...

 

[Niconical]

Maybe you could drill 2 small holes in the case for a little airflow, might stop it building up.

Just a thought.

 

[zipplet]

I do find my wallet is sometimes lighter the day after breathing the fumes in. I guess this is the only sensitivity I have to it

You'll also notice it if you open a sealed light, more so if the batteries have been in there a long time and used a lot.

 

[Linger]

I keep my battery drawer closed just to keep the smell built up in therelovecpf.
What produces the best flashahol?
Doesn't seem to be AW's batteries, b/c i've had them in a keep2go tube for a bit and no build up.
Silverfox mentioned primaries, and we've all noted the pleasant aroma after openning a package (or keeping a few in a sealed keep2go tube and cracking it every now and then for inspiration).

What's the best?

 

[mossyoak]

I just opened my keep2go tube up and took a wiff because of this thread. mmm, surefire primaries, and duracell cr2's smell soooooooooo good.

 

[kimck99]

Just a quick update. I removed the lithium primaries from the case and the fumes for the most part is no longer present. I say 'for the most part' as I do smell a faint scent from the alkaline batteries.

 

[Qoose]

You all are bad influences, now I need my fix.

Takes a hit out of his SC2.

 

[LuxLuthor]

Are you storing it next to the diaper trash bin?