Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries in Gadgets, Electric Vehicles Are Growing Source of Forever Chemicals

Rechargeable batteries contribute to the growing problems about "forever chemicals."

Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries Have Forever Chemicals

According to a new study, the "forever chemicals" that contaminate soil and waterways may come from an increasing number of sources, including rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in ordinary electronics, electric cars, and energy storage devices.

Thousands of distinct types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) are considered "forever chemicals." They have been used for decades to increase a product's resistance to heat, stains, and water. In lithium-ion batteries, a specific subclass of PFAS known as bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonimides (bis-FASIs) has been employed more recently as binders and electrolytes.

Between January and October 2022, the researchers collected soil, sediment, and water samples from 87 places in Minnesota, Kentucky, Belgium, and France. They specifically targeted areas close to long-term chemical manufacturers, such as 3M and Arkema. Bis-FASI concentrations in parts per billion (ppb) were discovered to be typical in the vicinity of industrial facilities. They appeared around industrial facilities in the snow, water, silt, and soil. The study's authors also discovered bis-FASIs in liquids that leached from landfills.

According to lead author Jennifer Guelfo, an assistant professor of environmental engineering at Texas Tech University, parts per billion are typically associated with impacts of some kind, but they aren't usually found as a background focus.

When considered collectively, they suggest that lithium-ion batteries may be a source of forever chemical pollution from birth to death. If nothing is done, this issue could worsen as more and more aspects of our lives-from buildings and cars to houses and offices-become entirely electronic.

Guelfo suggests taking action to mitigate environmental releases of PFAS instead of waiting for decades to see what toxicology studies have to say.

3M, the target of numerous lawsuits over the years for manufacturing PFAS, has promised to phase out forever chemicals by the end of 2025 and to keep cleaning up contamination around its facilities even beyond that. This includes ceasing to produce bis-FASIs.

ALSO READ: Freshwater Fish Consumption Not Good for the Health: A Single Serving Equates to a Month of Drinking Water With 'Forever Chemicals'

Forever Chemicals in Fresh Water

Eating freshwater seems like a healthy choice. Nevertheless, one study indicates otherwise, particularly if it becomes a regular diet.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) discovered that consuming one serving of freshwater fish a year could have the same harmful effects as a month's worth of drinking water tainted with "forever chemicals" or PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds). Additionally, high concentrations of perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS) are unhealthy.

According to David Andrews, Ph.D., senior scientist at EWG and one of the study's lead authors, people who frequently consume freshwater fish run the risk of having dangerously high amounts of PFAS in their bodies. Andrews used to go fishing and eat the fish they caught. But now, whenever he sees fish, PFAS poisoning comes to mind.

The chemical consistently found in the highest amounts in freshwater fish was PFOS, a former ingredient in 3M's Scotchgard. On average, PFOS accounts for nearly three out of every four PFAS detections.