New Research Finds That Lithium Ion Batteries Contain ‘Forever Chemicals’ That Threaten The Environment
New research which was recently published in the journal Nature found that lithium ion batteries contain “forever chemicals,” also referred to as toxic PFAS. These chemicals have shown to be a dangerous source of chemical pollution that threatens the environment as well as human health, according to the study.
The study itself focused on an unregulated subclass of PFAS known as bis-FASI that previously had very little research published about them. This subclass is used in lithium ion batteries which are often disposed of in landfills, creating a major source of pollution.
According to Jennifer Guelfo, one of the researchers who co-authored the study: “The nation faces two critical challenges – to minimize aquatic pollution and increase our use of clean and sustainable energy, and both are worthy causes.
“But there’s a bit of tug-of-war between the two, and this study highlights that we have an opportunity now as we scale up this energy infrastructure to do a better job of incorporating environmental risk assessments.”
PFAS are often used for making products that are resistant to water, stains, and heat. They are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down and were found to accumulate in humans.
“The chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects, liver disease, thyroid disease, plummeting sperm counts and a range of other serious health problems,” wrote Tom Perkins for the Guardian.
Public health advocates have been trying to find and advertise alternatives to the toxic chemicals for clean energy technology, like batteries and wind turbines.
The research stated that there aren’t a lot of disposal standards or regulations available for PFAS battery waste. This lack of governance has led to a majority of PFAS battery waste to end up in landfills that easily leak into waterways, accumulate locally, or are transported long distances, according to the report.
The study also stated that bis-FASI specifically can be reused and recycled, however, only about 5% of lithium batteries are properly disposed of to do so. By those margins, 8 million tons of battery waste by 2040, unless recycling standards are changed and enforced.
“This says that we should be taking a closer look at this class of PFAS,” Guelfo said.
The researchers took samples of water, soil, and air surrounding a 3M plant in Minnesota. “The soil and water levels were concerning, and detection of the chemicals in snow suggests the chemicals easily move through the atmosphere,” Guelfo said.
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
