The Rise of Vaping and the Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries on Aircraft

Vaping has rapidly gained popularity over the past decade. According to a report published in the British Medical Journal, the percentage of the UK population using vaping devices soared from 1.3% in October 2013 to a striking 10% by 2023. While many view this trend as a positive shift in smoking cessation, it also presents new risks, particularly in aviation safety due to the nature of the devices that utilize lithium-ion batteries.

Growing Concerns Over Vaping Devices

The surge in vaping usage has contributed to increased incidents involving overheating devices on airplanes. A concerning incident recently occurred when an easyJet flight from Crete to Gatwick was evacuated after a bag containing vaping devices caught fire. Reports from UL Standards and Engagement (ULSE), a prominent American non-profit organization, indicated that vaping devices accounted for 35% of overheating incidents on US flights in 2023. This marks a notable rise of 28% in such incidents over a four-year span.

Understanding Lithium-Ion Battery Hazards

One critical factor behind these incidents is the propensity for lithium-ion batteries to overheat. When a lithium-ion cell fails, it can enter a state known as thermal runaway, causing adjacent cells to generate heat as well. This can result in releases of flammable gases, leading to fire or even explosions. It’s important to note that these batteries burn at extremely high temperatures—up to 900°C—making them very difficult to manage once ignited.

Damage significantly increases the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Accidental drops or punctures can compromise battery integrity, leading to overheating. According to Richard Bailey, managing director of Environmental Defence Systems, proper handling and using recognized brand chargers can mitigate these risks.

Safety Guidelines for Passengers

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stresses the importance of carrying lithium-ion-powered devices such as vapes in carry-on luggage, rather than checked baggage. Recommendations include ensuring that power banks and spare batteries are completely powered off and stored securely in protective cases. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) further advises passengers to use original packaging or specifically designed pouches to insulate terminals.

The Frequency of Overheating Incidents

According to logs maintained by the US’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), incidents related to lithium-ion batteries are not uncommon. During a recent one-month period, the FAA recorded ten incidents linked to laptops, mobile phones, e-cigarettes, and other electronic devices. Thankfully, in all but one case, the crew managed to handle the situation without significant disruption. However, the potential for emergency landings or evacuations remains a real concern.

Recent Noteworthy Incidents

Serious incidents involving vaping and battery devices have raised alarms. For example, a flight from Crete to Gatwick was evacuated after a passenger’s handbag, which contained a vaping device, caught fire. Similarly, a power bank exploded on a Royal Air Philippines flight, leading to an emergency landing in Hong Kong. In an unfortunate event on a Spirit flight, a former firefighter sustained burns while trying to extinguish a fire linked to an e-cigarette charger.

Vapes: Unique Risks and Recommendations

Vaping devices pose a distinct risk for overheating incidents—in fact, they rank second only to power chargers in terms of causing lithium battery mishaps on aircraft. Industry experts speculate that the prevalence of disposable vapes with cheaper batteries contributes to this issue. John Dunne from the UK Vaping Industry Association suggests that passengers should invest in hard cases for their vaping devices and remove batteries whenever possible during air travel.

The Dangers of Storing Devices in Cargo Holds

While some passengers may assume that storing devices in cargo holds is safer, the opposite may be true. The IATA insists that e-cigarettes and spare batteries must remain in the cabin to mitigate the risks associated with battery fires, which can escalate and spread quickly if not contained effectively. Lithium-ion battery fires can burn intensely, making it crucial that these devices remain within reach of cabin crew trained in emergency response.

Steps to Take if a Device Overheats on a Plane

If your electronic device begins to overheat during a flight, it’s essential to inform the cabin crew immediately. Attempting to retrieve an overheated device from under a seat can lead to crushing it and triggering thermal runaway, posing hazards to the aircraft and its occupants. Cabin crew members are trained in fire response procedures and have access to specialized fire containment equipment, such as the AvSax containment bag, which can effectively cool down overheating devices.

Conclusion

As the popularity of vaping continues to rise, awareness of the associated risks—particularly concerning lithium-ion batteries—becomes increasingly important for air travelers. It’s crucial for passengers to recognize the dangers of these devices, follow safety guidelines, and remain vigilant about their proper handling during flights.