Mon Sep 09 15:10:22 UTC 2024: ## Lithium-Ion Battery Fires on Planes on the Rise, Raising Safety Concerns
**SAN FRANCISCO, CA -** Incidents of lithium-ion batteries overheating on airplanes have increased by 28% since 2019, raising concerns about passenger and crew safety, according to a new report released by UL Standards & Engagement. While the events remain relatively rare, the potential for fire and evacuation poses a significant risk.
The report found that e-cigarettes were the most common device to overheat, accounting for 35% of incidents. In 60% of cases, the overheating occurred near the passenger’s seat, potentially putting them at immediate risk.
A recent incident in July saw a laptop overheat in a passenger’s bag, leading to the evacuation of a plane at San Francisco International Airport. Last year, a flight from Dallas to Orlando experienced an emergency landing due to a battery fire in an overhead bin.
Adding to the concern, more than a quarter of passengers surveyed for the study admitted to placing vaping devices and portable chargers in checked bags, contradicting federal regulations. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits these items in checked baggage, recognizing the heightened danger of a fire in the cargo hold, where it could be difficult to detect and extinguish.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported 37 thermal-runaway incidents on planes this year, a significant increase from 2019. Despite the rarity of these events, the potential for a fire at 40,000 feet poses a significant and unique risk.
While lithium-ion batteries are ubiquitous in modern devices, concerns over their safety have been known for years. Following cargo plane crashes in 2010 and 2011 involving lithium-ion batteries, the United Nations aviation organization considered stricter regulations but ultimately decided to leave the decision of accepting battery shipments to individual airlines. Some airlines have since stopped accepting bulk shipments of batteries.
The most common lithium-ion powered devices on planes include phones, laptops, wireless headphones, and tablets. Power banks accounted for 16% of reported overheating incidents.
The report highlights the need for increased awareness among passengers regarding the safe handling and storage of lithium-ion batteries on planes. The TSA and FAA continue to emphasize the importance of adhering to regulations regarding the storage of these devices.
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