Study finds that lithium-ion batteries could contribute to the problem of “forever chemicals”

“Forever chemicals” have recently become a concern due to their potential health risks, and a new study has now revealed that lithium-ion batteries, essential for clean energy solutions, could also contribute to PFAS contamination.

Researchers have identified a lesser-known PFAS variant, bis-FASIs (bis-perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides), used in lithium-ion battery production. These chemicals are emerging as a problem not only near manufacturing sites but also in areas where batteries are discarded.

In North Carolina, for example, these chemicals have been detected seeping from landfills into leachates. This shows the need for further research to track the sources and distribution of these compounds nationwide.

To investigate the impact of bis-FASIs, researchers collected samples of soil, sediment, snow, water, and air near manufacturing plants in Minnesota, France, Belgium, and Kentucky. 

The aim was to measure the levels of these “forever chemicals” resulting from lithium-ion battery exposure. The study found that bis-FASIs concentrations near manufacturing sites were in the parts per billion.

The disposal of lithium-ion battery products also contributes to elevated bis-FASIs levels. Analysis of landfill leachates in the southeastern U.S. revealed bis-FASIs concentrations similar to those near manufacturing sites, indicating that both production and disposal processes increase the presence of these harmful chemicals.

Although more research is needed to fully understand their impact on human health, it is known that marine life exposed to bis-FASIs can experience metabolic disruptions. Additionally, PFAS exposure has been linked to reproductive issues and certain cancers.

Lithium-ion batteries power a range of products, from electric vehicles to smartphones and laptops. However, this study highlights a dilemma: while lithium-ion batteries are a sustainable energy alternative, they could also pose environmental and health risks.

The researchers suggest that these risks can be reduced. Techniques like granular activated carbon and ion exchange have been shown to effectively remove PFAS from drinking water, and testing indicates they are also effective at eliminating bis-FASIs.