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American Burn Association Sounds Alarm on Burn Injuries from Lithium-Ion Devices; Calls for Action Following FAA Safety Alert

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

The American Burn Association (ABA) is raising urgent concerns over the growing number of burn injuries caused by lithium-ion batteries in consumer products, including e-scooters, power banks, and heated footwear. With new evidence and a federal airline safety alert confirming the risks, ABA is urging manufacturers, policymakers, and the public to act now to prevent further injuries. 

Lithium-ion burn injuries are no longer isolated incidents; they are an emerging threat that burn centers are already treating. Studies published in ABA’s Journal of Burn Care & Research and other peer-reviewed sources consistently document severe injuries requiring hospitalization, surgeries, and even advanced airway support after explosions or fires during charging or normal use. Cases have been reported across a range of products, from e-cigarettes to footwear inserts, underscoring the unpredictable and devastating nature of these injuries. 

The FAA recently issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 25002 ) after tracking 50 in-flight battery fire and smoke incidents this year alone. These incidents underscore the need for immediate action on the ground and in the air. 

“This is not a problem for tomorrow, it is a problem for today,” said ABA President, Jeff Carter, MD, FABA. “Every week, burn professionals are seeing patients with deeper, more complex injuries from lithium-ion devices. Prevention is no longer optional; it is urgent.” 

Prevention is ABA’s North Star

As the national leader in burn care, ABA has made Prevention one of its five strategic pillars. Research published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research has documented burn injuries from lithium-ion batteries for more than a decade, ranging from partial-thickness wounds to devastating full-thickness burns requiring grafts. Recent reports describe injuries not only from e-cigarettes but also from heated footwear and other consumer devices, confirming that the scope of risk continues to widen. 

Carter said that lithium-ion devices must now be included in prevention efforts because the injuries they cause are severe, difficult to treat, and happening with increasing frequency. 

ABA Prevention Priorities for Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

ABA experts point to several areas where greater attention could reduce burn injuries from lithium-ion devices: 

  • Close the standards gap. Strengthen testing for wearables and mobility devices to simulate real-world stress, not just single-crush tests. 

  • Design for safety. Place batteries outside of clothing or footwear; integrate fire-retardant materials and health-monitoring systems. 

  • Airline readiness. Support the FAA’s SAFO 25002 with expanded crew training, better firefighting protocols, and clearer passenger messaging. 

  • Education & data. Leverage ABA’s Advanced Burn Life Support®(ABLS) training scenarios to include lithium-ion failures, expand National Burn Awareness Week resources to cover this risk, and use ABA’s Burn Care Quality Platform registry data to track injury trends and inform prevention strategies. 

“Our members dedicate their lives to treating some of the sickest and most vulnerable patients in medicine,” said Clifford Sheckter, MD, MS, Chair of ABA’s Burn Prevention Committee. “But we know the greatest victory is when a patient never needs our care. That’s why we are calling attention to this issue today. ABA will continue to press for stronger standards, education, and vigilance; the next injury could be anyone’s child, parent, or loved one.” 

Immediate Guidance for the Public & Travelers

  • Buy smart. Choose certified devices; avoid damaged or counterfeit batteries. 

  • Charge wisely. Never charge on beds or sofas; do not leave devices unattended. 

  • Be alert with wearables. Stop using a product if you notice odor, swelling, or heat; avoid devices with batteries under pressure points like heels. 

  • Travel safely. Follow FAA guidance: keep power banks in carry-ons, visible and accessible, and notify crew immediately if a device overheats or smokes. 

  • Know first aid. Cool burns with running cool (not cold) water for 20 minutes, cover loosely, and seek medical care promptly. 

About the American Burn Association

The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through education, quality, research, prevention, and leadership. Founded in 1967, ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations, working to advance the quality of burn care worldwide.  

The ABA encourages first responders and healthcare providers to enhance their readiness by completing the Advanced Burn Life Support® (ABLS) Now course. This on-demand program provides essential skills for the immediate care of burn patients during the critical first 24 hours. Captions are also available in Spanish. Go to ameriburn.org/ABLS. 

For more information, visit ameriburn.org.