What are the Hazards Associated with Nickel-cadmium Batteries?
Although the use of rechargeable batteries is encouraged, long-term exposure to cadmium is associated with a high risk of lung and kidney damage as well as softening of the bones. According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), cadmium and cadmium compounds “may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens” . Landfilling batteries can result in the release of cadmium through landfill leachate. Cadmium can enter the air through burning household wastes such as nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmium is also present in the ash if garbage is incinerated. This is problematic in Connecticut, which relies heavily on waste to energy plants to manage our garbage. Consequently, the removal of these batteries from the solid waste stream is important in protecting human health and the environment. The RBRC Rechargeable Battery Recycling Program The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC), a non-profit public service organization made up of battery manufacturers and t
