Department of
Transportation has placed a ban on loose lithium batteries of all sizes
in checked luggage. It was primarily put in place for
industrial-size batteries, like those used in heavy-duty audio/video
equipment, because they can pose a significant fire hazard. The new
restrictions do not have much of an effect on consumer electronics;
however, you may not pack ANY spare lithium batteries in your checked
bags. It is okay to check your gear as long as batteries are installed
in them. Other rules for traveling with spare lithium batteries:
* You can bring
batteries with up to an 8-gram equivalent lithium content in your
carryon bags. All lithium ion batteries in cell phones are below the
8-gram equivalent lithium content. Nearly all laptop computer batteries
and those used by photographers and dive computers also are below this
quantity threshold.
* You can also bring up to two spare batteries with an aggregate
equivalent lithium content of up to 25 grams, in addition to any number
of batteries that fall below the 8-gram threshold.
* For a lithium metal battery, whether installed in a device or carried
as a spare, the limit on lithium content is 2 grams of lithium metal per
battery.
* Almost all consumer-type lithium metal batteries are below 2 grams of
lithium metal. But if you are unsure, contact the manufacturer!
Remember all spare batteries you carry with you should be in the
original case, in individual plastic bags, or have tape over their
contacts.
The film "Sea Monsters - A Prehistoric Adventure" is now playing at the IMAX
theater at the Science Museum in Richmond.
The film covers the prehistoric oceans and it's creatures that were
precursors of today's animal life.
