A new study has been published. Nature Communications A worrying link has been found between lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in electric vehicles, and the spread of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.”
Business Insider Reports A study conducted by a team of scientists including Jennifer Gelfo of Texas Tech University and Lee Ferguson of Duke University found that lithium-ion batteries contain a specific class of PFAS called bisperfluoroalkylsulfonimides (bisFASIs). These chemicals, used to enhance battery performance and make them less flammable, were found in high concentrations in environmental samples near EV battery manufacturing plants in the US, Belgium and France.
PFAS have been nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment and accumulate in the body. PFAS have been linked to a variety of health issues, including liver damage, high cholesterol, low birth weight and chronic kidney disease. The discovery of bis-FASI in EV batteries raises new concerns about the environmental impacts of the transition to cleaner energy technologies.
The findings highlight the complex challenges in fighting climate change. Proponents say electric vehicles are essential for reducing carbon emissions, but the potential rise in PFAS contamination presents a new environmental hurdle. As Guelfo put it: [carbon dioxide] Reducing emissions through technological innovations like electric vehicles is important, but it should not come with the side effect of increasing PFAS pollution.”
The research team conducted a comprehensive “cradle-to-grave” assessment of bis-FASI in lithium-ion batteries, testing over a dozen batteries used in EVs and consumer electronics. They found these chemicals at ppb levels well above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent limits for PFAS in drinking water.
The environmental impacts of Bis-FASI extend beyond the manufacturing site. Air emission data shows that these chemicals can travel long distances and impact communities far from the manufacturing facility. Additionally, with only around 5% of lithium-ion batteries currently recycled, there is a risk that these chemicals could leach into the environment from landfills where most batteries are discarded.
The study predicts that there could be around 8 million tonnes of lithium-ion battery waste by 2040, highlighting the urgent need to develop sustainable battery technologies and recycling solutions that do not exacerbate PFAS contamination.
Several major companies, including 3M, Solvay, and Arkema, are involved in the production or use of bisFASI, as evidenced by their patents and product advertisements. The researchers focused their study on areas near the companies’ manufacturing plants in Minnesota, Kentucky, Antwerp (Belgium), and Salindol (France).
It is worth noting that 3M, a long-time manufacturer of PFAS, recently agreed to a $10 billion settlement with U.S. cities and towns over claims of drinking water contamination, and the company has committed to divesting from all PFAS production by the end of 2025.
While strategies exist to remove bis-FASI from drinking water, the study highlights the need for more widespread adoption of these technologies, especially in light of new EPA regulations. However, some chemical manufacturers and water utilities are challenging these regulations in court, which could complicate addressing the problem.
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Lucas Nolan is a reporter for Breitbart News covering free speech and online censorship.
