What Are the Harmful Effects of Discarded Batteries?

All batteries eventually lose their electrical charge. When this occurs, most people replace the old battery with a new one. However, since many batteries contain chemicals that are toxic, batteries can pose a danger if they are not disposed of correctly.

Alkaline Battery Dangers

• Alkaline batteries contain potassium hydroxide, which is corrosive. If potassium hydroxide comes in contact with water, it may produce enough heat to ignite combustible materials. Some older alkaline batteries may also contain mercury, which is a toxic metal.

Rechargeable Battery Dangers

• Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride batteries can both leach nickel into groundwater. Both battery types also contain potassium hydroxide, which reacts with water and is corrosive. Additionally, cadmium is toxic to humans.

Lead-Acid Battery Dangers

• Lead-acid batteries contain 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.

Lithium and Coin-Cell Battery Dangers

• Lithium and coin-cell batteries are small in physical size and can be easily swallowed. These batteries pose several hazards--choking, chemical burn, tissue damage--to small children. Lithium-ion batteries are also flammable and capable of self-ignition if handled improperly.