The fact is that cars have become irreplaceable parts of our life; however, we need to understand the effects of car batteries on the environment. Electric energy is supplied to a car though its battery. This energy is used to power the car. Most car batteries are known as SLI batteries which mean that they start the motor, the lights, and the ignition system. Car batteries are normally lead-acid and consist of six galvanic cells that create a system that is 12 volts.
SLI car batteries pollute the environment yet they are widely use due to the fact that they are cheap. There are many different types of car batteries. Some car batteries are more harmful and toxic than others. The lead and the nickel cadmium car batteries are very harmful for the environment. Nickel metal hydride batteries on the other hand have lower toxicity levels and are less harmful to the environment.
Studies have shown that the toxicity level of lead is exceptionally high resulting in hearing impairment, kidney damage, brain damage which results in learning problems. If exposed to a small amount of lead for a long time, anyone of the above conditions can result. Yet, more than one million ton of lead is used per year by the car industry. Ninety percent of this lead goes into lead-acid car batteries. (more...)