Was going through my 10440 stash and came across an unprotected 10440 that has discharged to .88 volts. I'm quite sure it had close to 3 volts when I checked it last. It's not in a torch just sittin in cupboard. Probably hasn't been used in a year or so as the other pair I have are fine.
Or if you must (it might survive after all) do it outside with a charger you can afford to lose and downwind of anything that might not like the fumes. And charge it at a very, very low rate.