In Japan, the government has conveyed significant concerns over the safety of lithium-ion batteries, reporting approximately 2,350 associated accidents, including fires, over a five-year period ending in fiscal 2024. The Consumer Affairs Agency identified that most incidents involved smartphones, while electric bicycles and portable batteries also contributed to the alarming statistics. In response, authorities are advising consumers on safe disposal practices, such as discharging batteries before disposal and handling devices with care to avoid injuries.
On Thursday, the Consumer Affairs Agency revealed the results of its analysis of incidents related to lithium-ion batteries. The findings highlighted that smartphones were linked to around 350 accidents, with electric bicycles and mobile batteries each accounting for about 300 incidents. The agency has also noted injuries, including burns from wireless earphones and smartwatches. To enhance safety, it urged consumers to manage their devices responsibly, avoid using excessive force, and ensure batteries are fully discharged prior to disposal. Additionally, the agency examined cases of spontaneous combustion and smoke incidents, although some could not be definitively linked to specific causes.
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