Lithium

Elemental lithium is too dangerous to use as is so the batteries contain a lithium metal combination. Once these batteries are discarded the lithium can form various salts most of which can be poisonous. For many years lithium carbonate was used to treat manic depression and the dosage must be closely regulated or serious problems can develop. As more lithium is used, more is discarded and the danger increases. Since lithium can act on the brain it may become the lead of future generations. The known reserves of lithium will run out in a few years and more extreme methods of mining will be needed for new supplies and this will mean more possible environmental hazards. As society joins the mad rush for electric cars is anyone considering the problems associated with the disposal of lithium batteries. The contamination of the soil and subsequent water supply is the result of both lithium mining and disposal. Are we exchanging clean air for dirty water