WASHINGTON — Many of the toys and gadgets people are playing with after getting them for Christmas could pose a potential danger because of their batteries.

Rechargeable lithium ion batteries, used in everything from remote controlled cars to hover boards to handheld tools, contain an organic solvent that is corrosive and flammable.

“Under the wrong conditions, this stuff can cause problems through corrosion, fire and explosion,” Andrew Maynard explains in a video for Risk Bites.

Maynard says mechanical abuse includes banging up or damaging the battery. That damage can cause short circuits that in turn can cause the battery’s internal materials to heat up.

“When this happens, the [material] vaporizes, pressure builds up and either flammable vapor is released or the battery explodes,” said Maynard.

If the overheating battery is next to another battery, that can cause a chain reaction.

To prevent improperly handled lithium-ion batteries from becoming a fire hazard, the Loudoun County Fire Rescue and Emergency Department recommends:

•  Don’t let charging devices stay plugged in overnight.
•  Allow devices to cool down before recharging them.
• Use only one plug per electrical outlet when charging.
• Use only the charging cords that come with specific devices.

Also, the fire department advises you to quit using devices that show signs of leaking fluids, excessive heat, odor, sparking and/or smoke.

Watch Maynard’s video: