Battery acid is a corrosive substance that can cause serious injury if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. It's important to be aware of the dangers of battery acid and take precautions to protect yourself from accidental exposure. Read on for more information about battery acid and how to stay safe around this hazardous material.
Can acid from a battery hurt you?
Battery hazards depend on chemistry. In a lead-acid battery, the electrolyte is dilute sulfuric acid and may be contaminated with lead compounds. Other household battery types have different materials and hazards, so do not assume that every leak is sulfuric acid or identify it by appearance. Avoid contact with any leaking battery and consult its label and manufacturer safety information.
Sources: GS Yuasa Battery Ltd., Safety Data Sheet: Lead-acid battery; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Used Household Batteries.
Is battery acid dangerous to touch?
Do not touch liquid, powder, or residue leaking from a battery. Corrosion or residue does not identify the battery chemistry or prove that the material is sulfuric acid. Keep people and pets away; do not handle, neutralize, or attempt household cleanup of an unknown leak. Contact the battery maker, a qualified service provider, or local hazardous-waste or emergency authorities for handling advice appropriate to the battery and spill.
Sources: GS Yuasa Battery Ltd., Safety Data Sheet: Lead-acid battery; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Used Household Batteries; Energizer, Battery Care: Dos and Don'ts (North America).
What to do if you get battery acid on you?
If lead-acid electrolyte contacts skin or eyes, immediately flush with plenty of water; remove contaminated clothing while rinsing. For eye exposure, continue rinsing for at least 15 minutes and get urgent medical advice. If material is swallowed, do not induce vomiting; seek immediate medical or poison-center advice. For an unknown battery chemistry, move away from the source, rinse exposed skin or eyes with running water, and contact Poison Control or emergency medical services for instructions. Do not apply baking soda, antacid, bleach, or another neutralizer to a person.
Sources: GS Yuasa Battery Ltd., Safety Data Sheet: Lead-acid battery; Energizer, Alkaline Batteries FAQ; Poison Control, Caution with caustics: Tips for preventing chemical burns.
Is leaking battery dangerous?
A leaking or damaged battery can expose hazardous material, but the specific hazard depends on its chemistry and condition. Do not touch or attempt to clean it up. Keep people away and contact the manufacturer or a qualified local hazardous-waste service for instructions. If it is hot, smoking, venting, or actively leaking, leave the area and contact emergency services.
Sources: GS Yuasa Battery Ltd., Safety Data Sheet: Lead-acid battery; Energizer, Battery Care: Dos and Don'ts (North America).
Is it safe to smoke near leaking batteries?
Do not smoke or bring flames or sparks near a damaged or leaking battery. For lead-acid batteries, the manufacturer warns that charging can produce explosive gas and calls for ventilation and ignition-source control. Do not approach or try to ventilate a damaged battery yourself; leave the area and get qualified help if it is hot, venting, or actively leaking.
Sources: GS Yuasa Battery Ltd., Safety Data Sheet: Lead-acid battery; GS Yuasa Battery Ltd., Safety Data Sheet: Lead-acid battery.
Conclusion
Battery electrolyte and leak hazards vary by battery chemistry. Lead-acid batteries contain dilute sulfuric-acid electrolyte; that description does not apply to every household battery. Avoid contact with leaks, use the exact product safety information, and get professional disposal or emergency guidance when a battery is damaged. Seek immediate medical or poison-center advice after suspected exposure.
Sources: GS Yuasa Battery Ltd., Safety Data Sheet: Lead-acid battery; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Used Household Batteries; Poison Control, Caution with caustics: Tips for preventing chemical burns.
