Lithium batteries, common in many devices today, pose significant fire risks and the potential for injuries, fatalities, and disruption if proper safety measures aren't taken. Improper disposal can lead to contamination and severe hazards. Awareness and safe handling are crucial to preventing tragedies like the one South Korea has endured.

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This tragedy must not set off another wave of scaremongering about lithium batteries. While they pose fire risks if improperly handled, shunning them or the end products that use them would be misguided. Misinformed claims often overlook the fact that lithium batteries are ubiquitous and generally safe. Instead, more refined occupational health and safety solutions should be found without resorting to a fear-driven hampering of their evolution.