From African shantytowns to the backstreets of China's cities, small-scale businesses that recycle the lead from auto batteries are proliferating. Experts say the pollution from these unregulated operations is a lethal threat – with children being the most vulnerable to poisoning. By Fred Pearce • November 2, 2020.
Why is lead poisoning a problem?
Exposure to lead-contaminated soil and dust resulting from battery recycling and mining has caused outbreaks of mass lead poisoning, including deaths in young children, in some countries. Once lead enters the body, it is distributed to organs including the brain, kidneys, liver and bones.
Lead battery recycling is a global health hazard. Why have so few people heard of it? | Canada's National Observer: News & Analysis Lead battery recycling is a global health hazard. Why have so few people heard of it? A worker ladles molten recycled lead into billets in a lead-acid battery recovery facility, June 18, 2008.
(See BU-705: How to Recycle Batteries) The sulfuric acid in a lead acid battery is highly corrosive and is more harmful than acids used in most other battery systems. Contact with eye can cause permanent blindness; swallowing damages internal organs that can lead to death.
Other gases that can develop during charging and the operations of lead acid batteries are arsine (arsenic hydride, AsH 3) and (antimony hydride, SbH 3). Although the levels of these metal hydrides stay well below the occupational exposure limits, they are a reminder to provide adequate ventilation.
Are children at risk for lead poisoning?
Children who engage in pica, the compulsive, habitual consumption of non-food items, are at particularly high risk. Exposure to lead-contaminated soil and dust resulting from battery recycling and mining has caused outbreaks of mass lead poisoning, including deaths in young children, in some countries.
What happens if you overcharge a lead acid battery?
Over-charging a lead acid battery can produce hydrogen sulfide. The gas is colorless, very poisonous, flammable and has the odor of rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide also occurs naturally during the breakdown of organic matter in swamps and sewers; it is present in volcanic gases, natural gas and some well waters.