New materials and devices are contributors to the intensity and duration of fires, a new feature article by UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) details.

A combination of synthetic materials, open layouts, and powerful new devices has drastically reduced the time families have to react to escape a burning home: Whereas there used to be an average window of seven minutes to escape a fire, there is now roughly three minutes to leave the house.

In the article, ULSE’s Dr. Denice Durrant, director of engineering and data science, details reasons why there are more risks to fires. She cautions that while lithium-ion batteries offer significant benefits in powering modern technology, they also present serious safety hazards that must be carefully managed. To that end, customer awareness is vital: “Consumers need to know that many of today’s rechargeable products are powered by lithium-ion batteries, and they should look to purchase products that conform to safety standards, and use them carefully.”

“As you read this article, you’re likely surrounded by lithium-ion batteries powering everything from your cell phone to your laptop computer, vacuum cleaner, or electric toothbrush,” Durrant writes. Each of these items poses a fire hazard if not manufactured and used properly.

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