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.
It is true that lead recycling is possible and helps to save the environment but the fact is that not every lead-acid car battery is recycled. That which is exposed to the environment is harmful to it as well as us.
So is there any hope for the environment? Yes, there is. Scientists are working hard into researching the options of using lithium ion batteries to power the cars of the future. Their hope is to not only to reduce harm to the environment but to reduce costs also. Much resources and knowledge is poured into creating environment friendly car batteries but until that goal is achieved, we have to be careful how we dispose of the still widely used lead-acid car batteries. Do not forget that recycling is always an option.