What are the harmful effects and safety of a lead acid battery

A battery is an electrochemical device to convert chemical energy to electrical energy to provide power to our electronic devices. But the chemical used in battery will pollute the environment heavily if the batteries are improperly disposed of, especially lead acid battery.

Placed in a landfill, these batteries may over time leach lead or leak acid into the environment.

All batteries eventually lose their electrical charge. When this occurs, most people replace the old battery with a new one. Placed in a landfill, these lead acid batteries may over time leach lead or leak acid that are toxic into the environment.

Lead acid battery contains both lead and sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid is flammable and can cause chemical burns. Lead from batteries can seep into the ground, and can pollute the soil. Either material can contaminate a water source, making the water unsafe to drink.

Burning the batteries in public area will pollute the lakes and streams as the metals vaporize into the air when burned and it may cause burns or danger to eyes and skin. Contribute to heavy metals that potentially may leach from solid waste landfills. Batteries waste in riverside will pollute the water with strong acid. Animals or human drinking from the water will be harm by the pollution of the water.

As with most devices, the material composing a lead acid battery can be harmful if not handled properly. It is imperative, when working with lead acid batteries to take certain precautions. To help avoid risk of danger and injury, observe these precautions when handling or working with a lead acid battery:

• Wear ANSI (American National Standards Institute) approved safety glasses or goggles and a face shield.
• Wear proper clothing to protect your face, hands and body.
• Make sure your work area is well-ventilated.
• Never lean over the battery while boosting, testing or charging.
• Keep all ignition sources away from the battery. Cigarettes, flames or sparks could cause a battery to explode.
• Always shield eyes and face from battery.
• Do not charge or use booster cables or adjust post connections without proper instructions and training.
• KEEP VENT CAPS TIGHT AND LEVEL.
• In the event of an accident, flush with water and call a physician immediately.
• KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

In terms of these harmful effects, please follow these precautions to protect yourself when disposing of a lead acid battery. Don’t throw out the battery at will because they can be recycled for reuse to save energy and money.

Source: www.leoch.com