America's Real Criminal Element Is Lead (2013)

motherjones.com

8 points·scarface_74··6 comments

Sadly, I first read about this author today when I read about his passing.

https://talkingpointsmemo.com/edblog/remembering-kevin-drum

It's about time that we as a species put a bit more attention to the various pollutants that we pump into the air. We don't have much of a lead problem, but we're putting a lot of microplastics (e.g. from tyres) into the air and it's ending up everywhere.

Reminds me, why, exactly, are we still using lead batteries in car starters? Why not a lithium battery under the hood for ICE cars with a starter motor?

Most likely because they are cheaper and work in lower temperatures. The weight penalty of the lead-acid batteries isn't relevant for most cars. There's also the issue of ruggedness - you wouldn't want your battery to be caught in a collision and set fire to the car. Also lead-acid batteries can be and are recycled.

In theory. Some of the biggest superfund cleanup bills went for 'recycling' plants that just stockpiled waste until the barrels rusted out and released everything into the soil.

It is a fair point, and you can, in fact, buy lithium-ion 12V batteries. The economics, safety, and performance characteristics are the answer.

But, those lead batteries are sealed and recycled, and don't usually contribute to environmental or human health issues. Although, it would be better to move away from them. Newer solid state batteries would possibly fit the bill, but not soon.

By contrast, lead water pipes, lead paint, and leaded aviation fuel all do directly spew into the environment and into human bodies.

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