TOXICITY OF MATERIALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF LITHIUM BATTERIES

The growing interest in battery systems has led to major advances in h igh-energy and/or high-power density lithium batteries. Potential appl ications for lithium batteries include radio transceivers, portable el ectronic instrumentation, emergency locator transmitters, night vision devices, human implantable devices, as well as uses in the aerospace and defense programs. With this new technology comes the use of new so lvent and electrolyte systems in the research, development, and produc tion of lithium batteries. The goal is to enhance lithium battery tech nology with the use of non-hazardous materials. Therefore, the toxicit y and health hazards associated with exposure to the solvents and elec trolytes used in current lithium battery research and development is e valuated and described.