Recycling Lead from Used Batteries Increases Health Risks in Mexico

Increasing numbers of old batteries that Americans recycle are sent to Mexico, where the lead is removed and then re-sold or re-used, according to the New York Times. The recycling process for batteries has become more expensive and complex in the U.S. since the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) instituted new regulations concerning lead pollution, so American companies are sending more and more batteries to Mexico where regulations are less stringent and infrequently enforced.
 
While recycling plants in the U.S. are required to fit their smokestacks with scrubbers, surround their perimeters with lead-monitoring devices, and protect their workers from exposure with a sealed, mechanized process, many Mexican recycling operations have no such safeguards, reports the New York Times. As batteries are broken open and the extracted lead is melted in furnaces, toxic lead is released into the air and then contaminates soil, food, and other surfaces.
 
Children are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning, because they are still developing and their small bodies would contain higher concentrations than adults. Complications resulting from lead poisoning are learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral problems, lowered intelligence, stunted growth, and hearing impairment.
 
“EMSL Analytical, Inc. has helped clients from around the world eliminate lead poisoning,” states Joseph Frasca, Senior VP at EMSL. “As the first step in the lead removal process, we analyze soil, drinking and waste water, air, wipes, and paint chip samples for competitive prices.”
 
For more information on EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical, Inc. is a full service testing company providing quality lab services under the same private ownership since 1981. Including the corporate lab facility in Cinnaminson, NJ, EMSL Analytical operates over thirty laboratories nationwide in the US and Canada. We provide analytical services for environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ), industrial hygiene, forensics and materials science, consumer products, food safety, PCR, pharmaceutical, asbestos, lead, and radiological samples. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. Please see our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com