no. It must be magnetically excited. However, residual flux is everywhere in minute amounts within ferrous materials, so it will be an extremely unlikely problem.
It's either been overloaded trying to charge a dead battery and fried itself, or there may be a burnt out fuse. Check connections and have the battery tested.
The primary hazard is from making the blood become more acidic. The normal blood pH is very important for health and disturbing it can lead to death. The buildup of CO2 in the blood is called...