The chemical compounds of batteries and its effects on the environment

Batteries contain many toxic materials such as cadmium, mercury, lead and lithium. These materials are non-renewable and can be recycled an indefinite amount of times. When these liquids or metals are exposed it can poison the health of many animals and people, in addition to contaminating body’s of water, soils and can cause pollution in the air. It is also partly responsible for global warming, as the manufacture and transportation of batteries emit exhaust and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Heavy metals such as cadmium and lead both contribute to the toxicity of biological molecules, hence leading to many adverse effects on the body. An example these poisonous metals such as nickel and cadmium (carcinogens) can cause are cancer, neurological damage, liver and lung disease. Mercury is a highly toxic chemical compound in its vapor for and can cause paralysis and psychosis. Lead has been linked to birth defects, and to neurological and developmental damage.