Choosing mercury-free batteries helps reduce the risk of environmental contamination and minimizes the potential health hazards associated with mercury exposure.
Are mercury batteries bad for the environment?
Mercury became a popular component of batteries in the 1940s due to its highly stable voltage. Mercury batteries also had a greater capacity than others at the time, which was another reason for their success. But in recent times, the negative impact of mercury on the environment has been realized, particularly when it is not disposed of correctly.
Today, there is a worldwide ban on mercury in batteries. A good measure, given their high toxicity and harmful effects to the environment. But why were mercury batteries used in the first place? And which “no mercury added” batteries are a proper replacement? Read on to find out more. A brief history of mercury batteries
Our journey into understanding mercury batteries takes us back to their inception. Originally developed in the mid-20th century, these powerhouses quickly gained popularity for their high energy density and stable voltage. They're unique due to their use of mercury, a heavy, silvery element that's a liquid at room temperature.
However, due to the harmful effects of mercury, their production has been largely discontinued in many parts of the world. That's not to say they've been completely phased out. In certain applications where alternatives don't measure up, mercury batteries are still in use.
Mercury batteries were popular in mobile devices during and after World War II. They were produced in both small and larger sizes: commonly used in watches, radios, and remote controls. They became very popular because of their highly stable voltage – around 1.3 Volts.
Why have my batteries stopped using mercury?
As a result, most manufacturers have stopped using mercury in their batteries altogether, in line with the recent changes in EU legislation. If you have any questions about the components within your batteries or would like further advice on any EU legislation, feel free to get in touch with our team.