Starting on June 28th, passengers on domestic flights in China are no longer allowed to carry certain power banks. The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) announced this emergency measure, prohibiting any power bank lacking a clear China Compulsory Certification (CCC) mark, those with unclear markings, or models/batches subject to official recall.
This decision came after numerous concerning incidents globally involving these devices aboard aircraft. In January, a fire sparked by a power bank in passengers’ luggage severely damaged a Busan Air plane. In March, another flight was diverted (改道) to another airport after a power bank caught fire in an overhead bin. Within China’s civil aviation system alone, 15 cases of power banks smoking or catching fire were recorded in the first half of 2025, posing serious threats to flight safety.
The dangers originate from the lithium (锂) batteries inside power banks. External factors like high temperatures, being crushed, or impact can cause internal short circuits, generating intense heat. This accumulated heat may lead to “thermal runaway”, resulting in rapid fires or explosions that are difficult to extinguish.
Compounding these inherent risks, recent government inspections uncovered widespread quality issues. Testing revealed that 43.6% of sampled power bank batches failed safety standards. Many manufacturers produce substandard devices using poor-quality materials and lacking essential safety features like protection against overcharging or against short circuits. Due to these findings, authorities have revoked or suspended the 3C certifications for products of several manufacturers.
For consumers with potentially unsafe power banks at home, Professor Chen Lei advises discontinuing use immediately if the device shows any warning signs. These include bulging, leaking, strange smells, overheating, odd noises, sudden power loss, charging failure, or damaged ports. While the saltwater soaking method, sometimes used in labs to slowly discharge risky batteries, is known, safety expert Mao Wutao strongly warns against its use at home. This process can release potentially harmful gases, especially in spaces with poor air circulation.
Meanwhile, airports have set up specific areas where passengers can willingly throw away, temporarily store, or mail non-compliant power banks caught during security checks. Airlines and airports are also actively informing travelers about these now-in-effect regulations and the critical safety reasons behind them, working towards safer skies for everyone.
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1.1. Why does the author mention “Busan Air plane”?
A To show a lucky rescue.
B To prove a safe flight.
C To introduce a plane model.
D To explain a safety risk.
解析：选D。D 推理判断题。根据第二段可知，文中提到“Busan Air plane”是因为在1月，其飞机因乘客行李中充电宝起火而严重受损，作者通过这一事件举例说明充电宝在飞机上存在安全风险。故选D。
2.2. What ultimate hazard may internal short circuits in lithium batteries cause?
A Toxic gas release.
B Persistent power leakage.
C Uncontrollable fire spread.
D Permanent device damage.
解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第三段中的“…can cause internal short circuits, generating intense heat. This accumulated heat may lead to ‘thermal runaway,’ resulting in rapid fires or explosions”可知，电池内部短路会产生剧烈热量。热量持续积聚将导致“热失控”，进而引发难以扑灭的爆燃或爆炸火灾。故选C。
4.4. What should be paid attention to while using the saltwater soaking method?
A It should be done at home.
B It has no potential risks.
C It should be avoided in closed spaces.
D It can be used casually.
解析：选C。C 推理判断题。由倒数第二段的“safety expert Mao Wutao strongly warns against its use at home. This process can release potentially harmful gases, especially in spaces with poor air circulation”可知，盐水浸泡法会释放有害气体，尤其在空气流通差的空间，所以应避免在封闭空间使用该方法。故选C。
