Phone Batteries Threat to Air Travel?

"Lithium-ion batteries — the rechargeable energy source for cellphones, laptop computers and an increasing number of other portable electronic devices — are becoming a growing concern for airlines in passenger cabins and cargo holds. Non-rechargeable lithium metal batteries like those in cameras and flashlights are a concern, too.  When a lithium battery short-circuits or overheats, it can catch fire or explode. The fire it causes may not be as easy to extinguish as a normal combustion fire."

Read the rest of the article in "Are lithium-ion batteries the next threat to airline safety?", USA Today Travel, August 16, 2010.