Batteries, Lithium Ion

2.1 Classification of the substance or mixture

Secondary battery packs are enclosed in UL-94, V-0 enclosures designed to withstand temperatures and pressures encountered during normal use. The hazardous component in battery packs is the lithium-ion cell. Under normal use the battery cells present no physical danger of ignition or explosion and chemical danger of hazardous materials leakage. Battery cells are designed to vent gas to prevent explosion, if exposed to a fire, added mechanical shocks, electrically abused or physically damaged. This leaked gas could contain material classified as hazardous. Label and Markings: Example of Battery Pack Markings: Example of Packing Labels: Page | 1 NOTE: Under normal conditions of battery use, internal components will not present a health hazard. The following information is provided for battery electrolyte (KOH, alkaline sol.) for exposure that may occur during container breakage or under extreme heat conditions such as fire. EMERGENCY OVERVIEW: The battery should not be opened or burned. Exposure to the ingredients contained within or their combustion products could be harmful. If the battery is opened or broken, then the following hazards apply: ROUTES OF ENTRY: EYE CONTACT: Contact with the battery electrolyte can cause severe irritation, burns, and cornea damage upon contact. SKIN CONTACT: Battery electrolyte (acid) can cause severe irritation, burns and ulceration. SKIN ABSORPTION: Not a significant route of entry INHALATION: Acid mist generated during battery charging or spillage of the electrolyte in a confined area may cause respiratory irritation. INGESTION: The electrolyte ingestion irritates the mouth and the throat seriously resulting in serious burns to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Potential Acute Health Effects

Exposure and/or contact with battery electrolyte (acid) may lead to acute irritation of the skin, corneal damage of the eyes, and irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and upper respiratory system, including lung.

Potential chronic health

Chronic overexposure to nickel may result in cancer; dermal contact may result in dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Medical Conditions Generally Aggravated by Exposure

A knowledge of the available toxicology information and of the physical and chemical properties of the material suggests that overexposure in unlikely to aggravate existing medical conditions.

Interactions with other chemicals

Immersion in high conductivity liquids may cause corrosion and breaching of the cell or battery enclosure. If vented cell electrolyte contacts water it will generate detrimental hydrogen fluoride.

Environmental effects

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