There are indeed long-term health risks associated with the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries, primarily due to exposure to toxic and hazardous substances involved in mining and manufacturing processes.
Health Risks from Exposure to Toxic Materials
- EV batteries commonly use materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper. Many of these substances are toxic or carcinogenic. For example, cobalt exposure—particularly inhalation of cobalt dust—can cause skin, eye, and lung issues over prolonged periods. Nickel and arsenic compounds present in lithium-ion batteries are also potentially carcinogenic.
- Chronic overexposure to battery manufacturing chemicals can cause a range of symptoms including loss of appetite, metallic taste, anxiety, constipation, nausea, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fine tremors, dizziness, and nervous system irritability.
- Long-term exposure to battery-related toxic substances has been linked to respiratory problems and skin conditions.
Environmental Contamination and Indirect Health Impacts
- Mining operations for lithium and cobalt can cause environmental contamination through toxic chemical leaks, polluting water sources and ecosystems. This pollution can indirectly affect human health in surrounding communities by contaminating drinking water and food supplies with hazardous substances.
- The industrial processes involved in battery production release noxious fumes and chemical waste, and can contribute to air and water pollution, which pose health risks beyond workers in the factories, affecting nearby residents and ecosystems.
Occupational Safety Measures
- Safety engineering controls such as thermal management, containment systems, electrical protection, and venting can mitigate the risk of hazardous chemical exposure during battery manufacturing and handling.
- Workplace safety practices and regulations are essential to reduce occupational hazards related to battery production chemicals.
Summary
While EV battery manufacturing is crucial for the transition to cleaner transportation, it presents notable long-term health risks due to exposure to toxic metals and chemicals during mining and production. These risks include respiratory, dermatological, neurological, and carcinogenic effects. Environmental pollution from mining exacerbates these risks for nearby communities. Proper industrial safety measures and environmental regulations are critical to mitigating these dangers.
Thus, although EVs reduce tailpipe emissions and offer climate benefits, their battery production carries significant long-term health and environmental challenges that need careful management.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-long-term-health-risks-associated-with-the-production-of-ev-batteries/
