Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

In Situ Gas Analysis and Fire Characterization of Lithium-Ion Cells During Thermal Runaway Using an Environmental Chamber
Published on: March 31, 2023
Evaluation of Health Hazards in Secondary Battery Industry Workers Focusing on Chemical Burns
Dong-Hee Koh1, Yong Lim Won2, Hwa Yeon Lee2
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
The rapid growth of the secondary battery industry for electric vehicles has introduced underexplored occupational hazards. This study investigated the characteristics and causes of skin disorders among workers in lithium production and battery recycling facilities to identify preventive measures. In 2024, walkthrough surveys and health interviews were conducted with 127 male workers at two newly established plants selected based on visible symptoms or involvement in high-risk processes. Skin lesions were reported by 38.8% of workers in the lithium production plant, mainly chemical burns caused by lithium hydroxide dust reacting with sweat to form a strong alkali, with the wrist being the most frequently affected site. In the recycling plant, 35.0% experienced skin lesions, predominantly contact dermatitis associated with exposure to metal dusts and acids. These findings indicate substantial risks of chemical burns and contact dermatitis, highlighting the need for improved protective equipment, ventilation, and safety management in this expanding industry.
Related Concept Videos
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Types of Toxins
Air pollutants, primarily gases, pose significant threats to respiratory health, leading to conditions like hypoxia, lung cancer, and in extreme cases, death.
Environmental pollutants like...
Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
Toxicity Testing in Animals
Effects of Chemicals: Overview
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios
