Batteries found in mobile phones, electric vehicles and most modern gadgets contain toxic ‘forever chemicals’ that are leaching into our air and water, a study has claimed.
US researchers discovered in a study that rechargeable lithium-ion batteries release harmful compounds called PFEs into the environment during production and after destruction.
The research found a specific chemical (currently not banned) called bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonamide (bis-FASI) to be just as toxic as PFOA. These compounds are found in pesticides, waterproof coatings and certain types of paints.
PFEs are also known as forever chemicals because these chemicals do not come out of the body once they enter the body.
These chemicals have been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, high cholesterol, weakened kidneys, thyroid disease, infertility, weakened immune systems and low birth weight in children.
These compounds also affect growth, learning and behavior in infants and young children.