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Non-leaking batteries do not pose health risks when handled.
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While most batteries are used and disposed of before ever presenting a problem, very old or damaged batteries are prone to leaking. Heat and age can cause leaks as can internal pressures that build inside the battery as it is drained. The chemicals inside batteries release hydrogen gas as they are used, which results in pressure on the battery seals. In some cases the batteries may simply be defective. No matter why they leak, batteries release potassium chloride when they do. Potassium hydroxide can cause chemical burns and other health problems if exposed to the skin, mouth or eyes. Toxicity is also a concern when potassium hydroxide is ingested. It can also cause damage to any electronic device the battery was in when it leaked. which is why you should always remove the battery before storing any battery-operated devices.
Chemical Burns
Potassium …show more content…
Poisoning symptoms include severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, diarrhea and a rapid drop in blood pressure, to name a few. If battery chemicals are ingested, call a physician or poison control center immediately and follow the given instructions. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by the physician. Instead, have the affected person drink milk or water.
Damage Control
A leaking battery is a damaged battery that should be promptly removed from electronic devices and properly disposed of. Batteries can be recycled through local programs or thrown away with your regular trash in every state except California, where they must be recycled. After disposing of leaking batteries, you may need to clean the device they were in. Although people often refer to battery acid, potassium hydroxide is a base. To remove it from a device's battery contacts, use an acid like lemon juice or vinegar and a cotton swab.
Caption
Non-leaking batteries do not pose health risks when handled.
Alternate Text
Group
While most batteries are used and disposed of before ever presenting a problem, very old or damaged batteries are prone to leaking. Heat and age can cause leaks as can internal pressures that build inside the battery as it is drained. The chemicals inside batteries release hydrogen gas as they are used, which results in pressure on the battery seals. In some cases the batteries may simply be defective. No matter why they leak, batteries release potassium chloride when they do. Potassium hydroxide can cause chemical burns and other health problems if exposed to the skin, mouth or eyes. Toxicity is also a concern when potassium hydroxide is ingested. It can also cause damage to any electronic device the battery was in when it leaked. which is why you should always remove the battery before storing any battery-operated devices.
Chemical Burns
Potassium …show more content…
Poisoning symptoms include severe abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, diarrhea and a rapid drop in blood pressure, to name a few. If battery chemicals are ingested, call a physician or poison control center immediately and follow the given instructions. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by the physician. Instead, have the affected person drink milk or water.
Damage Control
A leaking battery is a damaged battery that should be promptly removed from electronic devices and properly disposed of. Batteries can be recycled through local programs or thrown away with your regular trash in every state except California, where they must be recycled. After disposing of leaking batteries, you may need to clean the device they were in. Although people often refer to battery acid, potassium hydroxide is a base. To remove it from a device's battery contacts, use an acid like lemon juice or vinegar and a cotton swab.