SDS

IV. Health Hazard Information
NOTE: Under normal conditions of battery use, internal components will not present a health hazard. The following
information is provided for battery electrolyte (acid) and lead for exposure that may occur during battery production or
container breakage or under extreme heat conditions such as fire
ROUTES AND METHODS OF ENTRY
Inhalation
Acid mist generated during battery formation may cause respiratory irritation. Spillage of acid from batteries in
confined areas may also lead to exposure to sulfuric acid mist.
Skin Contact
Battery electrolyte (acid) can cause severe irritation, burns and ulceration.
Skin Absorption
Skin absorption is not a significant route of entry.
Eye Contact
Battery electrolyte (acid) can cause severe irritation, burns, and cornea damage upon contact.
Ingestion
Hands contaminated by contact with internal components of a battery can cause ingestion of lead/lead compounds.
Hands should be washed prior to eating, drinking, or smoking.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF OVEREXPOSURE
Acute Effects
Acute effects of overexposure to lead compounds are GI (gastrointestinal) upset, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation
with cramping, difficulty in sleeping, and fatigue. 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 lungs.
Chronic Effects
Lead and its compounds may cause chronic anemia, damage to the kidneys and nervous system. Lead may also cause
reproductive system damage and can affect developing fetuses in pregnant women. Battery electrolyte (acid) may lead
to scarring of the cornea, chronic bronchitis, as well as erosion of tooth enamel in mouth breathers in repeated
exposures.
POTENTIAL TO CAUSE CANCER
The National Toxicological Program (NTP) and The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified
“strong inorganic acid mist containing sulfuric acid” as a Category 1 carcinogen, a substance that is carcinogenic to
humans. The ACGIH has classified “strong inorganic acid mist containing sulfuric acid” as an A2 carcinogen
(suspected human carcinogen). These classifications do not apply to liquid forms of sulfuric acid or sulfuric acid
solutions contained within a battery. Inorganic acid mist (sulfuric acid mist) is not generated under normal use of this
product. Misuse of the product, such as overcharging, may result in the generation of sulfuric acid mist.
The NTP and the IARC have classified lead as an A3 carcinogen (animal carcinogen). While the agent is carcinogenic in
experimental animals at relatively high doses, the agent is unlikely to cause cancer in humans except under
uncommonly high levels of exposure. For further information, see the ACGIH’s pamphlet, 1996 Threshold Limit Values
and Biological Exposure Indices.
EMERGENCY AND FIRST AID PROCEDURES
Inhalation
Remove from exposure and consult a physician if any of the acute effects listed above develop.
Skin
Wash thoroughly with soap and water. If acid is splashed on clothing, remove and discard. If acid is splashed in
shoes, remove them immediately and discard. Acid cannot be removed from leather.
Eyes
Immediately rinse with cool running water for at least 15 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately after rinsing.
Ingestion
Lead/Lead compounds: Consult a physician.
Battery Electrolyte (Acid): Do not induce vomiting. Refer to a physician immediately.
MEDICAL CONDITIONS AGGRAVATED BY EXPOSURE
Inorganic lead and its compounds can aggravate chronic forms of kidney, liver, and neurological diseases. Contact of
battery electrolyte (acid) with the skin may aggravate skin diseases such as eczema and contact dermatitis.