News Discussion

Consumer Agency Issues Power Bank Fire Warning

The National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan (NCAC) has issued a warning on its official X account about the risk of power bank fires. The agency reports a series of incidents in which lithium-ion batteries have caught fire or emitted smoke due to impact or deterioration.

Power banks are widely seen as essential and convenient, especially during large-scale events like Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. However, accidents continue to occur. On July 20, a passenger's power bank caught fire on a JR Yamanote Line inner-loop train, causing minor injuries to five people.

In response, the NCAC released a video demonstrating how power banks can ignite. It also shared safety tips, including: "Stop using the battery if it appears swollen" and "Avoid placing it in hot or enclosed environments.“

The power bank involved in the incident had previously been recalled due to similar problems. The Osaka-based company that sold the product issued an apology on its website. "We deeply apologize to our customers and all concerned parties for the great concern and inconvenience caused," the statement read. The company again urged users not to use the recalled product.

According to the Consumer Affairs Agency, about 39,300 units of the product were sold between December 2019 and August 2021. Since fiscal year 2021, there have been 16 reported fire incidents involving the device.

In light of similar incidents on passenger aircraft, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has also issued guidance. Passengers are advised not to store power banks in overhead compartments during charging. Instead, they should keep them within reach to monitor their condition at all times.

1. 1. issue　発行する、出す
   The weather service has issued a tsunami warning for the east coast of Japan.
2. 2. incident　出来事、事件
   There were two incidents of food poisoning at local restaurants this week.
3. 3. impact　衝撃、影響
   The impact from the car damaged the back of the truck.
4. 4. swollen　膨張した、腫れた
   Alicia’s foot was swollen after she accidentally kicked the goal post in the soccer game.
5. 5. recall　回収する、リコールする
   The car company is recalling over 500,000 cars because the brakes do not work.

1. 1. According to the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan, what causes power banks to catch fire?
2. 2. What advice has the NCAC given for using power banks?
3. 3. What advice has the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism given?
4. 4. What other devices use lithium-ion batteries besides power banks? Do you own any of them?
5. 5. What things do you do to prevent fires in your home?

国民生活センターは公式X（旧ツイッター）で、スマートフォンのモバイルバッテリーについて、使われているリチウムイオン電池に衝撃が加わったり劣化したりして、発火・発煙するトラブルが相次いでいるとして、注意を呼びかけている。

モバイルバッテリーは、開会中の大阪・関西万博でも必需品として重宝される一方で、7月20日にも、JR山手線内回りを走行中の車両で、乗客のモバイルバッテリーから発火、5人が軽傷を負うなど、事故が相次いでいる。

これを受け同センターはモバイルバッテリーが発火する様子を再現した動画とともに、「リチウムイオン電池が膨張していたら使用を中止」「熱がこもる環境に置かない」などと投稿した。

また、発火したモバイルバッテリーは、これまでも同様の事故を起こすなどして、リコールの対象となっていたことがわかった。販売した大阪市の会社は「お客様ならびに関係者の皆様に多大なるご心配とご迷惑をおかけしておりますことを、心より深くお詫び申し上げます」と会社のホームページに記載、あらためてリコール対象の商品は使わないよう呼びかけている。消費者庁によると、この商品は令和元年12月～3年8月に3万9300台が販売され、3年度以降に計16件の火災が発生している。

旅客機内に持ち込まれたモバイルバッテリーの発火事故が相次いだことを受け、国土交通省が、座席上の荷物棚に入れず、充電する場合は常に状態が確認できる手元などに置くよう協力要請を始めている。