Are e-cigarettes dangerous goods?

Electronic cigarettes are considered dangerous goods because they contain lithium batteries, which are prone to short circuit, overheating or fire. According to IATA regulations, electronic cigarettes must be carried on board when flying, and the battery capacity must not exceed 100Wh. High-concentration nicotine e-liquid (such as 50mg/ml) is also strictly regulated in some countries, and leak-proof packaging must be ensured during transportation.

1. Lithium battery risks

Lithium batteries are the core components of electronic cigarettes, especially in transportation and daily use, the risks brought by lithium batteries cannot be ignored. According to relevant research, lithium batteries are prone to fire or explosion accidents in the case of overcharge, short circuit or external impact. Taking ordinary 18650 lithium batteries as an example, their voltage is usually 3.7 volts, and the maximum discharge power can reach about 20 amperes. If the battery is damaged externally or overcharged, the chemical reaction inside the battery may cause danger.

In some scenarios, users put electronic cigarettes in their trouser pockets at will, and they come into contact with metal objects such as keys or coins, causing short circuits, which can cause battery overheating or even explosion. The frequency of such accidents has gradually increased with the popularity of e-cigarettes, so lithium batteries are considered to have a higher risk factor whether for personal use or air transportation.

Regular brand lithium batteries usually have higher quality and safety standards. A lithium battery with a capacity of 3000mAh can have a lifespan of 300-500 charge and discharge cycles, while the lifespan of inferior batteries may be less than 200 times.

When traveling, avoid placing e-cigarettes together with metal objects to prevent short circuits. According to Wikipedia, the general operating temperature of lithium batteries is between -20°C and 60°C. Exceeding this temperature range may cause battery performance problems and even cause safety hazards.

Combined with the regulations of air transportation, e-cigarettes and their lithium batteries cannot be placed in checked baggage and must be placed in carry-on baggage. The reason is that the low air pressure in the aviation environment may intensify the chemical reaction of the battery, thereby increasing the chance of fire. This is why when flying, e-cigarettes and other lithium battery-containing devices must be carried with you.
Air transport restrictions
E-cigarettes face strict restrictions in air transport, especially when it comes to their built-in lithium batteries. If these lithium batteries are not handled properly during transportation, they may short-circuit, overheat or even catch fire. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) clearly stipulates that passengers carrying e-cigarettes must place the device and its lithium battery in carry-on luggage and are prohibited from checking in.

Taking a 3000mAh lithium battery as an example, the battery life of an e-cigarette may be between 1-2 days, depending on the frequency of use. If the lithium battery is damaged or overcharged, its safety risks will be magnified during the flight. Airlines usually require that the batteries of e-cigarettes be packaged separately from the device and ensure that the battery power is maintained below 30% to prevent excessive discharge or overcharging.

Real-life cases also reflect this risk. On a domestic flight, a passenger did not comply with relevant regulations and placed an e-cigarette in checked luggage, which eventually caused the luggage to catch fire during transportation and the flight was forced to make an emergency landing.

To avoid such incidents, passengers should understand the specific regulations of different airlines before traveling. Some airlines allow lithium batteries with a capacity of no more than 100Wh, while the power of lithium batteries commonly used in e-cigarettes is about 10-20Wh, which means that general e-cigarettes can be carried with you, but you need to pay attention to the correct way of packaging and storage. Avoid putting e-cigarettes directly in your pocket. It is recommended to use the original protective box, which can effectively avoid short circuit problems caused by external pressure or collision.

At the same time, it is worth noting that many countries and regions have imposed strict restrictions on the use and carrying of e-cigarettes. In mainland China, some airport security personnel will ask passengers to show the specifications of e-cigarettes to ensure that the equipment meets the carrying standards. Before traveling, carefully reading the official website of the relevant airport or airline to understand the latest regulations on carrying e-cigarettes is an effective way to avoid trouble.

2. E-cigarette liquid ingredients

The ingredients of e-cigarette liquid (also known as e-liquid) usually include propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine and a variety of flavors. The nature and proportion of these ingredients determine the taste of e-cigarettes, the amount of smoke, and the impact on the human body. Although e-cigarette liquids are considered relatively safe for daily use, in some cases, especially during transportation, some components of e-cigarette liquids may be considered hazardous, especially when they contain high concentrations of nicotine.

Take nicotine as an example. This substance is essentially a potent neurotoxin with high toxicity. In e-cigarette liquids, nicotine concentrations usually range from 0mg to 50mg/ml, depending on the needs of the user. High-concentration nicotine liquids are strictly regulated in some countries and regions. According to Wikipedia, an adult ingesting 50-60 mg of pure nicotine is fatal. When transporting or storing e-cigarette liquids containing high concentrations of nicotine, special care is required to prevent leakage or misuse.

During transportation, the containers and packaging of e-cigarette liquids also need to meet relevant safety standards. E-liquids are usually packed in 30ml or 60ml plastic or glass bottles. Plastic bottles are lighter but may be easily damaged. Although glass bottles are stronger, they are more expensive and can cause leakage if they are not properly protected during transportation.

Some countries also restrict the amount of e-cigarette liquid that can be carried. International flights usually stipulate that the liquid capacity of passengers cannot exceed 100ml. Therefore, if you want to carry e-cigarette liquid on board, users should ensure that the size and capacity of each bottle of liquid meet the regulations and store it in a transparent sealed bag so that it can pass smoothly during security check.

Low-quality e-cigarette liquid may contain impurities or the nicotine content does not match the label, and long-term use may pose a greater threat to health. E-cigarette liquids produced by regular manufacturers are usually strictly tested to ensure that their ingredient ratios meet health and safety standards. The ratio of vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol is usually 70:30 or 50:50, which determines the concentration of the smoke and the softness of the taste. High-quality e-liquids can produce denser smoke at the same power, while low-quality e-liquids may have odors or residues during use.