December 11, 2025 – A consumer has reported multiple instances of Duracell batteries corroding and leaking in various household products, including remote controls. The batteries, described as new and purchased in bulk, were observed to be leaking even while still functional within their devices, raising concerns about potential safety hazards and property damage.
Product Details
Incident Overview
The incident report, dated October 9, 2025, details a consumer’s complaint regarding Duracell batteries. The individual stated they had been purchasing Duracell batteries in bulk and noticed a recurring issue with corrosion and leakage across different products in their home. The problem became particularly evident with their remote controls. What makes this incident notable is the consumer’s assertion that these were new batteries that continued to work in the devices despite visibly leaking corrosive material. This suggests a potential issue that is not solely tied to the normal end-of-life discharge of a battery. The widespread nature of the problem across multiple devices points to a consistent issue with the batteries themselves rather than a single faulty device.
Safety Concerns
Battery leakage, especially from alkaline batteries like Duracell, poses several safety risks:
- Immediate Dangers: The leaked substance is an alkaline chemical (potassium hydroxide), which is corrosive. Direct skin contact can cause chemical burns, irritation, and redness. If it comes into contact with eyes, it can cause severe irritation, pain, and potentially permanent damage if not flushed immediately. Ingestion, particularly by children or pets, can lead to internal burns and poisoning.
- Long-Term Risks: Repeated exposure to leaking batteries or their residues in a household environment could pose a cumulative risk to individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or allergies. Improper disposal of leaking batteries can also contaminate the environment.
- Who Might Be Affected: Anyone handling the affected devices or batteries is at risk. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size, curiosity, and tendency to put objects in their mouths.
- Property Damage Potential: The corrosive liquid can significantly damage electronic devices, rendering them inoperable or requiring expensive repairs. This damage is often irreversible. It can also stain or damage furniture, carpets, or other surfaces it comes into contact with.
What Consumers Should Do
If you encounter leaking Duracell batteries or any other battery type, take the following precautions:
- Immediate Steps:
* Do NOT touch the leaking battery with bare hands. Wear protective gloves (nitrile or rubber) and eye protection.
* Carefully remove the leaking battery from the device.
* Clean the battery compartment and any affected surfaces using a cotton swab or cloth slightly dampened with vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize the alkaline residue.
* Dispose of the leaking battery and cleaning materials (gloves, swabs) according to your local hazardous waste disposal guidelines. Do not place them in regular household trash.
* If skin contact occurs, rinse the affected area immediately with plenty of water for several minutes.
* If eye contact occurs, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and seek immediate medical attention.
* If ingested, contact a poison control center or seek medical attention immediately.
- How to Check for Affected Products: Regularly inspect the battery compartments of all devices in your home for any signs of corrosion (white, powdery residue) or wetness. Pay attention to devices that are used infrequently or have been stored for some time.
- Prevention Measures:
* Remove batteries from devices that will not be used for extended periods.
* Avoid mixing old and new batteries, or different brands and types of batteries within the same device.
* Store batteries in a cool, dry place at room temperature, away from metal objects that could cause a short circuit.
* Always purchase batteries from reputable retailers and check for expiration dates.
- Reporting Procedures: If you experience similar incidents of battery leakage, report it directly to the manufacturer (Duracell, Inc.) and file an incident report with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to help identify potential widespread safety issues.
Manufacturer’s Response
On November 21, 2025, Duracell, Inc. responded to the incident report. The manufacturer expressed regret for the consumer’s experience and stated that their batteries undergo extensive safety evaluations and are manufactured under strict quality controls. Duracell explained that their batteries are designed with a vent mechanism to relieve pressure in certain situations, which can lead to leakage once activated, preventing bursting or overheating.
Duracell listed several conditions that may result in battery leakage:
- Devices inadvertently left in the “on” position for prolonged periods.
- Devices continuing to drain batteries even when in the “off” position or not in use; Duracell recommends removing batteries from devices not expected to be in use.
- Devices not shutting down automatically when battery voltage is low.
- Mixing used or old batteries with new batteries.
- Mixing different brands or types of batteries.
The manufacturer advised that while most battery chemicals won’t harm exposed skin, they should be treated as any chemical would. Precautions should always be taken when handling exposed chemicals, ensuring they are not placed near eyes or ingested. They recommended contacting a physician immediately if such exposure occurs. Duracell thanked the consumer for reporting their concerns and expressed hope that the provided information would be helpful.
Legal Help Available
If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product or suffered property damage due to a product malfunction, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced product liability attorneys at Farzan Law understand the complexities of defective product cases and can help you navigate the legal process.
Contact us today for a free consultation: 424-325-3112
Our legal team has successfully represented clients in product liability cases involving defective appliances, automotive defects, medical devices, and consumer products. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Note: This information is based on incident reports provided by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you find information that is incorrect, please contact us immediately so we can correct the post to reflect accurate information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is not intended to be legal or medical advice. This article is based on publicly available incident reports. The incidents mentioned have not necessarily been independently verified or adjudicated.