It looks like the IATA is gearing up for some new travel restrictions. Lithium batteries are in mobile phones and tablets. This is from an email that IATA members received today:

On-Board carriage of Lithium Batteries is a big issue for the Aviation Industry.

Join IATA at the Ops Conference to help shape the best practices needed to deal with the carriage of lithium batteries!

The proliferation of lithium batteries in our everyday lives poses a potential threat to the aviation industry, when defective, damaged, or badly packed batteries are carried on board aircraft. IATA is assisting the industry by creating a unified approach to this emerging threat, including a comprehensive strategy plan and an all-new lithium battery best practice guide.

Get up to date on the lithium battery issue here.

At the Ops Conference, you will able to join a detailed and interactive Lithium Battery Workshop that will be held on April 15, 2013 from 8:30-12:30. This workshop will discuss and debate the strategies required to mitigate the risks. The workshop will be led by Chris Glaeser, IATA's Global Director of Safety, along with workshop panel members that will include Rick Howell, General Manger Corporate Safety, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Des Vertannes, Global Head of Cargo, IATA.

It's of special concern to those airlines that bought dreamliners.

Li-Ion batteries have been banned in checked luggage for some time now. Not really sure what's new here. Perhaps they will restrict the number/size of Li-Ion batteries in your carryon too.

How about pacemakers?

World's first Lithium-iodide cell powered pacemaker. Cardiac Pacemakers Inc. 1972

From Wiki

See page 12

http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Documents/Lithium-Battery-Guidance-2013-V1.1.pdf