Exploding cell phones

Talk about an annoying ring! On its website, the Texas-based Williams Kherkher law firm warns that cell phones can explode due to battery problems.

"Most people would not consider their cell phone a potential explosion hazard, but they should," the firm says. As cell phones become more and more popular, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) "continues to receive a growing number of reports about cell phone explosions and fires."

The CPSC offers these guidelines to prevent your cell phone from blowing up:

• Don't use incompatible cell phone batteries and chargers.
• Don't get your phone or battery wet. Even after they dry out, the circuitry can corrode and pose a safety hazard.
• Don't allow a battery to come in contact with metal objects, such as coins, keys or jewelry.
• Don't crush, puncture or place great pressure on the battery, because this can cause a short-circuit that leads to overheating.
• Avoid dropping your cell phone to prevent battery damage.
• Don't place your phone in areas that may get very hot, such as near a cooking surface or radiator.