(See BU-705: How to Recycle Batteries) The sulfuric acid in a lead acid battery is highly corrosive and is more harmful than acids used in most other battery systems. Contact with eye can cause permanent blindness; swallowing damages internal organs that can lead to death.
Several countries label lead acid as hazardous material, and rightly so. Lead can be a health hazard if not properly handled. Lead is a toxic metal that can enter the body by inhalation of lead dust or ingestion when touching the mouth with lead-contaminated hands.
Yes, it is. The sulfuric acid in battery acid can cause poisoning if swallowed. Symptoms of swallowing sulfuric acid can include: Throat swelling can lead to breathing difficulty, speech problems, and vomiting with blood.
Other gases that can develop during charging and the operations of lead acid batteries are arsine (arsenic hydride, AsH 3) and (antimony hydride, SbH 3). Although the levels of these metal hydrides stay well below the occupational exposure limits, they are a reminder to provide adequate ventilation.
Exposure to lead can affect multiple body systems and is particularly harmful to young children and women of child-bearing age. Lead is distributed to the brain, liver, kidney and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it can accumulate over time. Human exposure is assessed through the measurement of lead in blood.
Over-charging a lead acid battery can produce hydrogen sulfide. The gas is colorless, very poisonous, flammable and has the odor of rotten eggs. Hydrogen sulfide also occurs naturally during the breakdown of organic matter in swamps and sewers; it is present in volcanic gases, natural gas and some well waters.