Although the multiple use of lead acid battery is growing fast in the country, concern is mounting among the environmentalists about its proper disposal as most manufacturers lack appropriate disposal system, reports UNB.
Battery industry insiders said presently, a legal binding exists with regard to battery manufacturing and disposal, but only a few follow the rules thus creating serious health hazard.
"Frequent disposal of lead acid battery at open places by battery sellers, users and manufacturers leads to serious air pollution posing a risk to human body," said Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Chief Executive of Bangladesh Environment Lawyers Association (BELA).
Rizwana, a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, mentioned that when a lead acid battery is melting, it releases lead and sulphuric acid in the air.
According to Bangladesh Accumulator & Battery Manufacturers Association (BABMA), annually about 2.8 million pieces of batteries are used by different sectors in the country with its 10 per cent growth rate. Of these, 420,000 pieces are used by motor vehicles, 411,000 pieces by IPS and UPS users, 150,000 pieces by heavy equipment of the industries, 1,050,000 pieces by electric vehicles and electric-rickshaw, and 700,000 pieces by the solar system.
Lax echo-friendly disposal of lead acid batteries poses health risk
FE Team | Published: March 29, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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