Health and Environmental Effects Document for Batteries - 1982: The Lead/Acid and Zinc/Halogen Batteries

摘要

This Health and Environmental Effects Document (HEED) is an assessment of the environmental health effects associated with production of lead/acid and zinc/halogen (zinc/chlorine and zinc/bromine) batteries for electric vehicle and utility load-leveling applications. Emissions are estimated for those industries required for production, use, and recycling of batteries, starting with mining and milling of raw materials. Emissions concentrations are estimated in the near field and in the far field for two chosen sites for each required industry. Human health risks associated with exposure to emissions are evaluated using dose-response models for lead, cadmium, and sulfur oxides. Health risks are estimated per industrial site; additional estimates are presented based on a scenario of 20,000 MWh/yr battery production. Comparisons are made of health risks associated with (1) near-field vs. far-field dispersion of emissions, and (2) lead/acid vs. zinc/halogen battery production. Solid and liquid waste disposal and an ingestion route for lead are addressed. Potential health risks of chlorine exposure from accidents involving electric vehicles powered by zinc/chlorine batteries are evaluated. (ERA citation 08:055820)