Lithium batteries safety, wider perspective
Bartłomiej Łukasz1, Iwona Rybakowska1, Anna Krakowiak2
1Medical University of Gdansk, Gdańsk, Poland (Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Physiology).
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health
|December 15, 2022
Summary
This review examines the human and environmental risks of lithium-ion batteries, from production to disposal. A holistic assessment is crucial to balance profits and losses for human and planetary well-being.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Growing demand for energy storage solutions.
- Increasing prevalence of lithium-ion batteries in consumer electronics and electric vehicles.
- Need for comprehensive risk assessment of battery lifecycles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review human and environmental risks associated with lithium-ion batteries.
- To highlight key issues in the widespread adoption of lithium-ion technology.
- To advocate for a holistic approach to battery impact assessment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of popular electronic databases.
- Focus on research published since 2000.
- Assessment of toxicological and environmental impacts.
Main Results:
- Identification of significant human and environmental risks throughout the lithium-ion battery lifecycle (production, use, disposal).
- Highlighting the complex interplay between technological advancement, economic interests, and safety.
- Emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the profit-loss balance.
Conclusions:
- Holistic risk assessment is essential for guiding safety measures and policy.
- The rapid expansion of lithium-ion battery use necessitates a thorough evaluation of its benefits versus its detriments.
- Balancing economic gains with human and environmental health is paramount.
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