Why Is Battery Acid Dangerous? Here Are 5+ Reasons Why.

Most of us hear battery acid, and we know to take caution. 

But why? 

Let’s look at why battery acid is dangerous and how you can avoid exposure.

Why is battery acid dangerous?

Batteries power everything in our lives, from remote control to our cellphones. But, we rarely, if ever, think about how a battery works.

Here’s the thing, batteries are perfectly safe when they’re intact. But, if the sulfuric acid and water combo inside starts to leak, it can ruin the device. 

Most importantly, battery acid can hurt you.

5 Reasons Battery Acid Is Dangerous

Battery acid is more dangerous than people think; even a little exposure is too much.

Does Damage to the Lungs

As diluted as sulfuric acid is, the fumes from batteries have traces of lead and other nasty chemicals. For most people, lung discomfort only lasts a short period.

But, long-time or repeated exposure to battery acid fumes can cause your teeth to decay, increase the odds of certain cancers, and lead to early cognitive decline.

Does Damage to the Skin

Leaking or spilled battery acid can do some serious damage to your skin. The burns can be so severe that they leave behind scars.

When you even suspect you’ve been exposed to battery acid, clean and treat the area ASAP.

1. Use lukewarm water and start flushing and cleaning the affected area.
2. Let the warm water gently wash over your hand for 30 minutes. (for real, set a timer)
3. If it still burns, just keep on flushing the contaminated skin.
4. If at all possible, don’t stop or pause the washing before the 30 minutes.

Does Damage to the Eyes

If battery acid splashes in your eyes, you’re looking at a worse care scenario. It can lead to permanent blindness and eye tissue damage.

1. You’ll want to use lukewarm water to start flushing out your eyes.
2. Hold your eyelids open as best you can.
3. Let the water wash your eyeballs off for 30 minutes. (set the clock)
4. If your eyes are still burning, repeat the process.

If available, go to an eyewash or shower station and use the solution to flush your eyes.

Does Damage to the Insides

Most people know not to ingest battery acid, but it can happen accidentally. It can cause a whole host of severe health issues.

• breathing
• severe pain
• burns to the mouth
• and throat
• fever
• other issues

The damage doesn’t stop in a few hours, either. Over the following days and weeks, ingesting battery acid can cause infections and permanent organ damage.

What does battery acid taste like?

Please take our word for it, and don’t try it yourself.

Some of us disobeyed our parents and played with a 9-volt battery (if you know, you know). So, we know that it has a sour, almost lemony taste. But, it’s not what the actual acid tastes like; you’re just tasting a reaction.

The dilated chemicals inside of a battery actually taste like a mixture of black coffee and borderline bad eggs. It does leave a sour aftertaste.

Don’t ever, ever drink battery acid.

Does Damage to the Environment

The improper disposal of batteries does serious damage to the Earth. Wildlife can present the same symptoms and side effects as humans. But, the caustic chemicals affects all plant life differently.

Handle with Care

You will want to isolate the leaking battery the moment you notice it and put it in a sealable plastic bag. 

PPE 

If battery acid leaks into a device, you will want to approach the situation carefully and with the proper protection.

• Long sleeve shirt
• Closed-toe shoes
• Long pants
• Goggles or safety glasses
• Gloves
• Mask

How lethal is battery acid?

Skin, lung, and eye exposure is dangerous but mostly survivable.

Ingesting any amount of battery acid can lead to death. 

Ventilation

The fumes from battery acids can do damage to the lungs in both the short term and long term. 

When handling a leaking battery, you will always want to move the situation into a well-ventilated area (outdoors ideally).

Keep Kids Away

You will want to keep your child away from batteries. 

Storing them in your emergency kit is always a good spot because it’s well out of reach of children but totally accessible to you.

Contact Poison Control immediately if you suspect your child has ingested battery poison – 800-222-1222

Always Use Batteries Properly

Just a reminder to always use batteries as they are intended and per instructions. If someone tries to draw too much energy, a battery can not only leak; it can explode. Battery acid in the eye is not good.

Saving the Device Safely

When a battery leaks, it often tries to take out a device at the same time. But, you can intervene as long as you do so safely.

Neutralize the acid with milder acids like vinegar or lemon juice. You’ll notice a fizz, and once it stops, dry the area that took on battery acid.

The Right Way to Dispose of Batteries

Tossing batteries into the garbage can do damage to the environment. Think about it. We use batteries for literally everything, and most people just toss them in the trash. That builds up over time.

• Check locally; you may have an actual battery retailer who will be more than happy to take an old one off of your hands (top battery brands are usually more reputable).
• Local governments and companies regularly organize events where they collect old batteries and electronics to dispose of them safely.
• Electronic, auto, and office supply stores will often take old batteries off of your hands.

What are the effects of battery acid?

• Battery acid can burn the skin and scar.
• It can burn the eyes and lead to blindness and tissue damage.
• Ingesting battery acid can burn holes in the stomach and lead to a deadly infection.
• Nose and throat irritation is common when inhaling battery acid fumes. It can last days.
• Lung exposure can make it difficult to breathe and do damage to the lungs.

FAQs about Battery Acid