Humidity a threat to cell phone batteries

Assoc. Prof. Şükrü Özen, from Akdeniz University's Faculty of Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering said on Aug. 10, 2015, "Humidity reduces the battery life span of cell phones."

Talking to Anadolu Agency, Assoc. Prof. Özen commented on the effects of humidity in the air on electronics, particularly on cell phones. Özen called attention to cell phone use in the summer and added, "The formation of sweat and liquid contact in such places where the humidity is high, increases the heat at some points on the mobile phone. It also affects the cell phone battery negatively and can cause a possible explosion."

Özen also warned mobile phone users not to use cell phones for a long time and underlined the fact that mobile phones ceaselessly emit electromagnetic waves by which people may be affected negatively regarding their health. Stating that children and expectant mothers should keep their phone calls short, Özen reminded that mobile phones may be damaged more in hot environments.

When engineers design their products, it is known that environmental conditions are taken into account. When it comes to humidity, however, consumers should also bear in mind that excessive heat can cause an explosion particularly with non-standard batteries.

Accordingly, Özen emphasized that, "These explosions may result in tissue burns and injuries. That is why, mobile phones should not be left by the window or on tables where they may be exposed to direct sunlight."