Batteries Go Boom

Scientific American has posted online a prepublication preview [PDF] of a story in its next issue, addressing the chemistry behind the troubles with lithium-ion batteries, complete with a discussion of economic pressure resulting in allegedly closer calls, safety-wise.

Of perhaps note, last spring when I taught Products Liability, a student was late for the first day of class.  Why?  Because her laptop’s battery had caught on fire and started a fire in her home.  (Nobody was injured.)