What is Battery Acid: Composition, Function, and Safety

Battery acids are a popular choice for powering automotive and consumer devices. But, given their corrosive and acidic nature, contact with the battery's acids comes with significant risks. Hence, understanding these dangers is crucial for proper handling of the batteries and your safety.

In this guide, I will be explaining what is battery acid, some potential hazards of battery acid batteries, and how to protect yourself against them. By the end, you will also learn how to dispose of lead-acid batteries in compliance with the legal requirements. So, dive right in.

What is battery acid?

Today, acid batteries are widely used for running automotive, power consumer appliances, and emergency backup power. While these batteries come in different compositions, the most commonly used is the lead-acid battery.

Lead batteries use a combination of lead and lead dioxide plates with dilute sulphuric acid to complete a charging cycle. This sulphuric acid is called a battery acid. Typically, the concentration of this H2SO4 is around 30-50%, but it can vary, depending on the purpose.

Let's learn more about the properties of battery acids.

• These batteries are highly corrosive, and react vigorously with the skin, causing burns and irritation.
• Battery acids have a high electrical conductivity.
• Usually, these acids are colorless. However, they can easily pick on impurities.
• The density of an acid battery is twice that of water.
• Battery acid is highly flammable and may ignite under intense pressure.

What is battery acid made of?

Lead acid batteries have sulphuric acid, diluted with purified water to a 30-50% concentration. This battery acid has a pH of 0.8 and produces electricity with the lead plates in the battery. This chemical reaction looks something like this,

Pb + PbO2 +2H2SO4 → 2PbSO4 + 2H2O

When the battery is fully charged, lead and lead oxide are the negative and positive plates, with concentrated sulphuric acid as an electrolyte. As you discharge this battery, both elements react with the sulphuric acid, releasing electrons from negative to positive electrodes. The reverse of the reaction converts the lead into lead dioxide and charges the appliances.

Risks and dangers of battery acid

Understanding the potential risks associated with acid batteries is important, especially if you are planning to use one. So, let's discuss them in detail.

Severe skin damage

Exposing your skin to battery acid means permanent damage. The sulphuric in lead-acid batteries is highly corrosive and causes serious chemical burns, skin irritation, and immense pain. Contacting these acids to your eyes can even lead to vision issues and, worse, permanent blindness. In case of exposure, make sure to treat the area as soon as possible.

Toxic exposure

Battery acid damage is not limited to skin damage but also causes poisoning. These batteries contain heavy toxic metals like cadmium. So, in the absence of the battery casing, direct contact with these metals results in poisoning symptoms like vomiting, nausea, and neurological disorders.

Internal damage

Just imagine, if contact with acid batteries can cause this level of damage, what it can do to your body's sensitive system. Accidental ingestion of these acids can result in difficulty breathing, and burning mouth, and throat issues. What's even worse is that the damage continues for days and weeks, leading to infection and surgical treatments.

Environmental harm

Once used, acid batteries are thrown in landfills without proper precautions. This practice releases harmful chemicals into the environment, water reserves, and soil, hindering plants' growth and damaging ecosystems. Not only this, but animals getting in direct contact with these disposed-of batteries experience respiratory, skin, and digestive disorders.

Fire and explosion

Lead acid batteries, when not handled properly, risk explosions and fire hazards. Overcharging appliances and short circuits with acid batteries releases flammable gasses and triggers thermal instability. Hence, you must approach their handling and storage with care.

How to safely handle battery acid?

So, how to prevent the battery acid risks and dangers, so you don't get caught in an accident? Here are a few safety tips you must follow while handling these batteries.

Protective clothing

A quick and easy way to avoid skin damage from battery acids is to keep yourself covered. For starters, wear long sleeves, long trousers, and protective shoes when handling acid batteries. You can also incorporate masks, safety goggles, gloves, and other special items to get rid of chemical dangers.

Work in well-ventilated areas

Acid batteries are volatile and demand precautions, especially during installation. Never assemble them in places without proper ventilation or living spaces.

Also, if your RV, car, or other vehicles use lead-acid batteries, park them in open areas where you can't smell the vapors produced by the battery. Open air promotes fresh air breathing, significantly adding to safety.

Limit your battery usage

There is a rare chance you will get in direct contact with the battery acid, but only if used carefully. Thus, it is crucial that you only use them for intended purposes, like for power systems and electronics. It is equally important to follow proper installation measures, as instructed by the manufacturers.

Keep batteries out of children's reach

Acid batteries are not meant to be used casually, even for adults, for all the reasons listed above. Hence, always keep them out of children's reach to avoid severe deadly accidents.

Dispose-of them correctly

Safety protocol is not limited to battery usage, but you should also be careful while its service reaches the end. Always prioritize disposing of your acid batteries in a way that releases minimal contaminants into the environment. What's better is leaving the job to professionals like auto-part retailers and battery stores.

What to do if you encounter a battery acid spill or leak?

Encountered a battery acid spill? Don't panic and find out whether the spill can adversely affect humans, animals, or environmental bodies (water reserves, plants, etc) around you. If so, contact emergency services immediately, depending on your location. Follow these simple steps to deal with it.

1. Before you begin, wear your protective gear (all-covered clothes, gloves, safety goggles, or a respirator).
2. Start by neutralizing the acid. If it is a sulphuric acid, use one pound of baking soda for every gallon of water. Apply the solution with a sponge or microfiber cloth to avoid spreading the acid. However, in case of an alkaline battery spillage, try using lemon juice and vinegar. You may use a toothbrush to treat stubborn leakage residue.
3. If your battery acid is spilled onto the car, spread the baking soda over the affected area and activate it using water. Clean the area using a cloth or paper towel and scrub the remaining residue.
4. Now that the acid is neutralized already, it's time to clean the spill. You may use a cloth or sponge to soak up the liquid from the surface. Once done, place the sponge/ cloth in the plastic bag to prevent further contamination.
5. Finish the process by disinfecting the area. Use a mild detergent or a solution of water and vinegar to remove any residual acid.
6. Place your leaked battery, sponge, paper towels, and toothbrush in a plastic trash bag. Contact your local government authority or community waste management facility to safely dispose of the apparatus, including the battery.

How to prevent battery acid problems?

Knowing how to avoid spills and other acid battery damage is as important as understanding how to deal with them. Here are some prevention tips that can help you in the long run.

• Always store acid batteries in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from sunlight. Make sure there are no heat sources or moisture nearby. Metal surfaces are a big no for acid battery storage, as they can ignite the battery acid.
• Do not drop puncture batteries, as it leads to leaks. If you encounter a leak accidentally, immediately neutralize the acid and disinfect the area.
• Short circuits cause a spark in batteries and heat them, causing a leakage. To avoid such scenarios, cover both battery terminals with electrical tape.
• Another reason for battery acid leakage is overcharging, as it pressurizes the capacitors beyond their capabilities. This leads to cracks in the battery casing. Therefore, to prevent this, follow manufacturers' guidelines for charging and discharging to ensure the safety of your appliances and battery.
• Never throw your used equipment or battery in the trash. Contact a local waste management authority or a recycling center to responsibly dispose of a battery unit.
• Check for signs of damage or leakage in your acid battery, from time to time. Replace them when needed.

How to dispose of batteries with acid safely?

While lead batteries are commonly used in devices and vehicles, they pose serious risks for humans and wildlife. Therefore, it is essential that you dispose of them while adhering to local regulations and best practices.

Legislative disposal requirements

In the USA, the State Department of Environmental Conservation and US Environmental Protection Agency regulates the accumulation and disposal of acid batteries. Under the Lead-Acid Battery Recycling Laws, it is mandatory for accumulators and distributors to collect and recycle used batteries from customers. They are also compelled to prevent the batteries from being disposed of in the trash.

• According to this law, you are supposed to return an unwanted lead-acid battery to a certified retailer for recycling, as soon as you buy a new one.
• You will be charged $5 of return incentive payment, in case of not complying. Similarly, the retailer is supposed to refund the $5 bill in case you return the used battery within 30 days of buying a new one.
• Illegally disposing of your lead-acid batteries will result in a civil penalty of under $50. For this, you can consult almost any local scrap metal facility that accepts your acid batteries for recycling purposes. Or, return the battery to your household hazardous waste collection.

You may find more about selecting the right retailers and distributors from here. Or contact the Bureau of Waste Reduction and Recycling, at 518-402-8706. In order to find more about careful handling of lead acid and other types of batteries, consult EPA.

Conclusion

Though high in demand, lead acid batteries carry high risks for humans, wildlife, and ecosystems. Hence, it is significant to approach them with proper care and maintaining practices. Always keep them in a well-ventilated area and handle them with safety gear. Also, when their service is finished, dispose of them in compliance with the legal and safety guidelines.

FAQs

What is the difference between battery acid and battery fluid?

Battery acid usually refers to the concentration of sulphuric acid and water in the battery solution. In comparison, battery fluid is an acidic substance that helps the acid to perform better. Typically battery acids are polar liquids, highly corrosive, and conduct electricity. Both battery acid and water are crucial for the performance of a lead-acid battery.

Can battery acid damage car paint?

Yes, battery acid can damage a car's paint by eating it, leaving a stain, or stripping it. Hence, in case of any accidental spillage, you must immediately neutralize the acid (using lemon juice or baking soda and water, depending on the type of battery). Once done, use a brush or sponge to clean the water. Finish it off by disinfecting the area with water and vinegar solution.

What is the pH level of battery acid?

Typically, in lead-acid batteries, the battery acid (sulphuric acid) is presented in 30-50% concentration. Though it may vary depending on the strength of the battery, the usual pH of the acid is around 0.8. Hence, it is highly acidic in nature and can damage any surface in case of leakage or spillage.