Recycling used lead-acid batteries: health considerations; 2017

This document aims to inform the health sector about this issue so it can recognize the recycling of lead-acid batteries as a source of lead exposure and can advocate for this practice to be better controlled and regulated. It also aims to inform policy-makers of the burden of disease associated with lead exposure as a stimulus to introducing and enforcing control measures.

The document outlines the process of recycling used lead-acid batteries and describes how lead exposure can occur. Three case studies illustrate the impact that uncontrolled battery recycling can have on a community. The document then discusses the adverse health impacts resulting from exposure to lead. An overview is given on methods for assessing lead exposure through measurement of blood lead concentrations and environmental sampling. This document does not aim to provide technical details of environmental sampling methods but refers the reader to other sources. Finally, brief information is provided on control measures to prevent the release of lead during recycling.