Environmental
Environmental hazards of batteries
A battery is a portable and convenient power source. Batteries are used to power toys, phones, laptops, hearing aids, cameras and watches. However these batteries contain heavy metals like mercury, lead and nickel. These metals contaminate the environment, if batteries are not disposed properly. Hence there is a need for recycling batteries. Heavy metals like mercury vaporize into the air when burnt and pollute lakes and streams. Thus mercury affects the marine life and enters the food chain. Mercury poisoning leads to severe physical and mental impairment in humans who live on fish for food. When incinerated, heavy metals like cadmium, lead gets concentrated in the ash and has the tendency to leach slowly into the soil and groundwater. Hence the entire eco system gets disturbed. Batteries also contain strong corrosive acids that may cause burns or danger to eyes and skin. Lead acid batteries contain sulphuric acid and lead which results in central nervous system damage in humans and animals. Hence proper disposal and battery recycling becomes mandatory for a healthy environment.