Informal Used Lead-Acid (Automobile) Batteries (ULABs) Recycling

Recycling Used Lead-Acid (Automobile) Batteries (ULABS)
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Introduction and Site Review
Used lead-acid (automobile) batteries (ULABs) are a significant source of environmental pollution that exposes humans to numerous health risks. Recycling companies conduct the processes without appropriate measures to control lead emissions (PureEarth, 2020). In many developing countries, lead poisoning is due to improper ULAB recycling and poor regulation (Haefliger et al., 2009). Sites for recycling ULABs are always in proximity with the community. It is common to find recyclers recycling ULABs and conducting smelting operations in open air and densely populated places. These activities release lead products into the atmosphere, soil and water bodies, polluting air, soil and water. Therefore, recycling ULABs is a public health concern because this business is associated with high levels of environmental emissions and occupational exposures (Tian et al., 2014).
According to World Health Organization (2017), there is no known safe exposure level to lead. Any level of lead exposure results in significant health impacts. When lead enters the body, it causes adverse health effects, including damage to the kidney, the nervous system, the hematopoietic system, the cardiovascular system and the reproductive system (Pure Earth, 2020). It also leads to impaired physical growth, retardation and death (World Health Organization, 2017). This report begins by examining the health risks associated with handling ULABs. It then covers interventions proposed by three professionals to reduce lead poisoning from informal battery recycling activities. The final section assesses the approaches and lessons learned throughout this inter-professional team report.
Professional I: Springfield Twp Staffs
Springfield Twp Staffs were one of the best parties selected to review the problem of the informal recycling of ULABs and propose options to reduce lead poisoning from the activity. Lead poisoning causes numerous health problems. One of them is kidney damage. Studies show that lead exposure increases blood pressure. High blood pressure for extended period damages the kidney. According to the WHO, leads exposure is estimated to account for about 3% of the global burden of chronic kidney diseases. Due to the risk of kidney damage caused by lead exposure that results from informal recycling of ULABs, Springfield Twp staffs proposed two solutions for the problem.
The first proposed solution was laying out instructions on the safe collection and recycling of ULABS without risking environmental pollution. The individuals suggested that every recycler should obtain permission and clearance from the Department of Environment (DoE) before collecting and recycling batteries. They insisted that the government should impose restrictions on improper disposal of ULABS in open spaces, waste bins, water bodies and other unauthorized disposal facilities. According to the Springfield Twp Staffs, all used batteries should be sent to the DoE-approved battery recycling operations. They justified their proposal on the grounds that lead products are hazardous waste that should be kep...