Alarming Fact: Lithium Batteries Could Be an Environmental Disaster

A new study published on July 8 in the journal Nature shows that lithium batteries used in everyday devices and renewable energy storage may release more chemicals into the environment, exacerbating the problem of soil and water pollution.

Lithium-ion batteries can be a source of “forever chemicals” — a term that refers to the presence of thousands of different polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Alarming Fact: Lithium Batteries Could Be an Environmental Disaster

For decades, “forever chemicals” have been used to make devices more resistant to water, dirt, and heat. More recently, bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs), a specific subgroup of PFAS, have been used as electrolytes and binders in lithium batteries.

Around battery manufacturing facilities around the world, researchers have found increased levels of bis-FASIs in soil, sediment, water, and snow. They have also found bis-FASIs in fluids leaking from battery landfills.

Lithium batteries, from the moment they are created until they are completely degraded, are a potential source of long-term chemical pollution.

There are currently no regulations specifically for handling these chemicals. PFAS are used in everything from nonstick pans to food packaging to fabric preservatives to dental floss, so their environmental and human health effects are largely underestimated.

Lithium batteries are increasingly popular for electric vehicles and clean energy. The study authors found bis-FASI in 11 batteries when testing 17 different types of batteries used in laptops, smartphones, tablets, and electric vehicles.

The study was designed to draw attention to PFAS chemicals, which are readily found in the environment but often overlooked, and importantly raised awareness of the life-cycle impacts of lithium batteries.

Sign up and earn $1000 a day ⋙

Leave a Comment

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

How to regain access to hard drive, fix error of not being able to open hard drive

In this article, we will guide you how to regain access to your hard drive when it fails. Let's follow along!

How to use dental floss

How to use dental floss

Dental floss is a common tool for cleaning teeth, however, not everyone knows how to use it properly. Below are instructions on how to use dental floss to clean teeth effectively.

How to gain muscle according to experts

How to gain muscle according to experts

Building muscle takes time and the right training, but its something anyone can do. Heres how to build muscle, according to experts.

The Best Diets for Heart Health

The Best Diets for Heart Health

In addition to regular exercise and not smoking, diet is one of the best ways to protect your heart. Here are the best diets for heart health.

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

How to cure insomnia for pregnant women in the last 3 months

The third trimester is often the most difficult time to sleep during pregnancy. Here are some ways to treat insomnia in the third trimester.

Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories

Scientifically Proven Ways to Automatically Burn Calories

There are many ways to lose weight without changing anything in your diet. Here are some scientifically proven automatic weight loss or calorie-burning methods that anyone can use.

All about iOS 26

All about iOS 26

Apple has introduced iOS 26 – a major update with a brand new frosted glass design, smarter experiences, and improvements to familiar apps.

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga exercises to treat insomnia

Yoga can provide many health benefits, including better sleep. Because yoga can be relaxing and restorative, its a great way to beat insomnia after a busy day.

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

What is the flower of the other shore? Meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore

The flower of the other shore is a unique flower, carrying many unique meanings. So what is the flower of the other shore, is the flower of the other shore real, what is the meaning and legend of the flower of the other shore?

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Healthy snacks that help you lose weight

Craving for snacks but afraid of gaining weight? Dont worry, lets explore together many types of weight loss snacks that are high in fiber, low in calories without making you try to starve yourself.

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

What to do when you have trouble sleeping?

Prioritizing a consistent sleep schedule and evening routine can help improve the quality of your sleep. Heres what you need to know to stop tossing and turning at night.

How to add a printer to Windows 10

How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

The most commonly deficient nutrients in the diet

Diet is important to our health. Yet most of our meals are lacking in these six important nutrients.

How to get beautiful nails quickly

How to get beautiful nails quickly

You want to have a beautiful, shiny, healthy nail quickly. The simple tips for beautiful nails below will be useful for you.

The best laptops for students in 2025

The best laptops for students in 2025

Students need a specific type of laptop for their studies. It should not only be powerful enough to perform well in their chosen major, but also compact and light enough to carry around all day.