Sacramento Firefighters First to Face EV Battery Fume Exposure
In an unprecedented incident, four Sacramento firefighters are undergoing experimental treatment after being exposed to fumes from a burning electric vehicle (EV) battery. This is the first known case of firefighters being sidelined due to such exposure.
The firefighters were not wearing their Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) during cleanup, leading to direct exposure to the lithium-ion battery fumes. The incident occurred when they responded to a fire involving a Tesla vehicle. The exposure caused a metallic taste in their mouths and has led to them receiving experimental IV-therapy since April.
The treatment aims to remove heavy metals from their lungs and bloodstreams. This unique challenge has prompted the Sacramento Fire Department, in coordination with the California Office of Emergency Services and local HazMat teams, to review and strengthen EV battery safety regulations. The danger lies not only in the battery's unpredictable nature, such as entering a state of thermal runaway, but also in the chemical reaction that turns certain compounds into acid when they come into contact with water.
The Sacramento Fire Department is at the forefront of addressing this emerging threat. As electric vehicles become more common, understanding and preparing for their specific fire risks is crucial. The firefighters' recovery is being closely monitored, and their experience is providing valuable insights for future safety protocols.
