PRODUCT MATRIX - Batteries

BATTERIES - DRY CELL

HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT	POSSIBLE EFFECTS
NICKEL	Causes dermatitis, sensitizer
CADMIUM	Damages kidneys and lungs
MERCURY	Toxic mercury vapor can damage brain and nervous system

Dry cell and disc or button batteries are used in flash lights, radios, hearing aids, watches, cameras, calculators, toys, and other items in the home. These batteries may contain zinc, lead, alkalines, mercury, nickel, cadmium, silver, and electrolytes. If batteries leak or explode the chemical substances contained in these batteries can cause internal and external burns and irritation. Batteries which explode can spew their contents on unsuspecting victims. There are two primary reasons that batteries explode: if an attempt is made to recharge nonrechargeable batteries, gases may build up and generate enough pressure to explode the battery; and batteries which are thrown into a fire, burned in a barrel, or otherwise incinerated can explode. Batteries which are chewed on or punctured can also leak.

Discarding batteries poses a clear environmental danger. Batteries contain heavy metals, such as silver, nickel, cadmium, lead, mercury, lithium, manganese, and zinc, which can accumulate and concentrate in waterlife, wildlife, and humans. An example of the danger posed by batteries is that one mercury battery contained in six tons of garbage exceeds the allowable limit for mercury in solid waste as established by the federal government.

Use: Keep batteries away from children. Do not, under any circumstances, put disc batteries into your mouth. They are slippery and easily swallowed.

Storage: Keep away from flames and out of the reach of children.

Disposal: Mercury-oxide and silver-oxide button batteries are often collected by jewelers, pharmacies, and hearing aid stores who sell them to companies that reclaim the metals. Many communities across the United States are separating batteries from their waste stream and contracting with companies to provide recycling, neutralization, or proper disposal. Alkaline, carbon-zinc, and lithium batteries do not have a ready market available at present. Some recycling companies have recently started accepting nickel-cadmium batteries and are willing to provide collection containers and pay for bulk transportation to the processor and recycling facilities.