Researchers are developing solid state batteries to increase battery performance, eliminate toxic solvents and reduce production costs. The elimination of toxic solvents and the drying process step benefit the environment and further the progress towards greener battery production.

Though there are many advantages to the switch to dry handling during solid state production, powder poses a higher risk of releasing airborne particles.

This means that the switch to dry handling and processing from using materials in suspensions and slurries requires even stricter adherence to safety measures and continuous exposure measurement.

Part of the growing demand for sustainable energy and a circular economy includes the expectation of recycling batteries after their recharging capabilities have been fully exhausted. No matter their use and type, battery recycling safety is only going to increase so it is vital to ensure that release of aerosol materials is also monitored at this stage in a battery’s life cycle.

Safety-minded battery recyclers will want to monitor the release of particles at various stages during the recycling process to protect the health of their workforce and the safety of their environment. As new battery recycling facilities are developed, integrating aerosol monitoring is an essential step in protecting workplace safety.

Throughout the manufacturing process, release of airborne particles may be harmful to employees of the battery maker. Whether a researcher in the R&D lab, a technician or packager on the production line or a facility maintenance worker, every person in the facility may be at risk of exposure to aerosol particles.

With the Identifier, each individual can wear a badge to monitor their personal exposure. Battery production safety can be further enhanced by monitoring different stages of production or various locations within a facility to determine potential “hot spots.”

Though battery power is seen as an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels, particularly when it comes to the automotive market, the materials used to make batteries have never been considered green. From the traditional lead to the latest nanomaterials and metal oxides, the danger remains and battery production safety requires being vigilant about worker exposure to the release of airborne battery materials.

The health risks of lead exposure have long been established. Unfortunately, many newer materials that are being used in high performance batteries are also harmful to human health. Some innovative materials are known carcinogens. The size, shape and structure of aerosol particles can determine how they affect human health. When aerosol particles are easily respirable, they can have terrible effects on the lungs and other organs.