How Recycling Car Batteries Could Be Killing People
The western world has put a lot of effort into reducing leads poisoning, even so there are still some shocking examples one of the latest being in the "Flint River" in Michigan where lead contamination is allegedly creating serious health problems for many who live nearby. But around the world there are areas that have zero to address the risk of contamination.
Serious Issues Around The Globe
One area of concern is unregulated car battery recycling, this is a concern raised by NGO Pure Earth. During their research they identified 800 sites where they found dangerous practices to the removal of lead and other metals for the typical car batteries we use every day in our vehicles. Many of these so called factories are nothing more than "back yards" and lead is allowed to escape into the soil around, which of course affect vegetation and water nearby. What is frustration is if the recycling process was done properly, it would only cost a few dollars.
As well as the serious health problems research has also a seen a relationship with increased violent crime and mental health problems in children. A study suggests that in Mexico the average IQ core is 5 points below what it should be due to lead poisoning issues throughout the country.
Highly Regulated In Britain
In Britain there is a very strict recycle process that if not dealt with correctly could lead to substantial fines or even a custodial sentence. If you have an old car battery no longer in use, you should always take to an official recognised recycle centre or even the local government tip is likely to have an area to leave the battery where they will then take to the official centre for you.
To learn more here is a an article by Time Magazine