Common in cell phones and electric vehicles: Cancer warning issued

Experts claim that the batteries found in cell phones, electric cars and most modern appliances contain toxic persistent chemicals that are emitted into the air we breathe and the water we drink.


US scientists have discovered that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries leak harmful substances called PFAS into the environment during production and after disposal.

One chemical of particular concern, bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimide (bis-FASI), was found to be as toxic as the notorious PFOA, found in waterproof coatings and some types of paint.

PFASs are called everlasting chemicals because they never leave the body after consumption.

They have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, high cholesterol, reduced kidney function, thyroid disease, low fertility, immunosuppression and low birth weight in babies.

There is also concern that they affect growth, learning and behavioral development in infants and children.


SEEN AS CLEAN ENERGY BUT...

Lithium-ion batteries are seen as an essential part of the growing clean energy infrastructure. They are found in electric cars, cell phones, medical devices, smartwatches, laptops and other electronic devices.

Demand is expected to grow exponentially over the next decade. But batteries only last a certain amount of time before they need to be replaced.

Only five percent of lithium-ion batteries are currently recycled, and studies estimate that eight million tons of them will end up in landfills by 2040.

Researchers from universities in Texas and North Carolina examined 75 surface water, five tap water, two groundwater, one snow, 15 sediment and 21 soil samples from 87 locations worldwide, including Belgium and France.

Bis-FASI chemicals have been found in battery production facilities and their disposal sites. The data also show that bis-FASI emissions into the air can facilitate long-distance transportation, so areas far from the production facilities could also be affected.

Professor Jennifer Guelfo of Texas Tech University said, "Our results reveal a dilemma related to the production, disposal and recycling of clean energy infrastructure. "Reducing CO2 emissions through innovations like electric cars is critical, but this should not have the side effect of increasing PFAS pollution."

"We need to facilitate technologies, production controls and recycling solutions that can tackle the climate crisis, but also prevent the release of highly resilient pollutants."