Document Type : Applied Article
Authors
1
PhD in Educational Administration, Babol Branch, Islamic Azad University, Babol, Iran
2
Master of Science in Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Management, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
3
European Union Board of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
10.22059/jhsci.2026.409598.916
Abstract
Objective: Lithium-ion batteries are widely utilized in electronic devices and electric vehicles due to their high energy density. However, this technology poses serious safety risks that can lead to catastrophic consequences in highly populated urban environments. This comprehensive study aims to assess these risks with a particular focus on the city of Tehran.
Methodology: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (quantitative and qualitative) over the period from Farvardin to Azar 1403 (March 2024 to December 2024). The primary statistical population for this study was the city of Tehran, with a population of 9.7 million people. For a comparative analysis, New York City (population 8.3 million) was selected as the international benchmark. Furthermore, both international and domestic databases, such as SID and Magiran, were utilized for searching relevant articles and theses.
Findings: Results indicate that Tehran is approaching a potential public safety crisis. The convergence of extremely high population density (11,800 persons/km² in residential areas), restricted living spaces (25–40 m² per household), rapid adoption of electric vehicles (approximately 9 million motorcycles), and a complete absence of charging infrastructure (no public stations) has created a critical scenario concerning fire and environmental hazards.
Conclusion: The results of this research indicate that the combination of high population density, limited residential space, the rapid proliferation of electric devices, and inadequate safety infrastructure has placed Tehran on the verge of a severe crisis concerning lithium-ion batteries. The novelty of this study lies in integrating indigenous risk analysis with international safety management models (using New York as a case study) and employing Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to develop a localized, comprehensive battery safety management model. The CBA results demonstrated that an investment of 5,550 billion Tomans yields a 9 to 19-fold return, while interventions such as public education and secure charging stations can reduce fatalities and household incidents by up to 95% and 85%, respectively. These findings underscore the necessity of immediately implementing a three-phase program encompassing education, infrastructure development, and national standardization to mitigate hazards and enhance urban safety in Tehran.
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