Lithium batteries: the "non-hazardous" cargo that exploded in Houston, Texas

On Sunday April 23, 2017 a Union Pacific train, carrying lithium ion batteries, exploded in Houston, Texas on the way to San Antonio for recycling. The blast caused a shock that blew out windows and could be felt up to a mile and a half away. Union Pacific representatives advised the cargo was “non-hazardous” after an acrid chemical odor spread throughout downtown Houston.

We should take this example as a reminder non-hazardous does not always mean harmless.