Current Status of Processes and Hazardous Chemicals of Lithium-ion Battery Industries in the Republic of Korea
Background: With global trends of carbon neutrality and ecofriendliness, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been rapidly increasing. However, occupational health research within this sector is significantly lacking. Thus, this study aimed to understand the industrial value chain, proces...
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Elsevier
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Safety and Health at Work |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791124000775 |
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| author | Miyeon Jang Gwangyong Yi Hyeonjin Jeon Chungsik Yoon |
| author_facet | Miyeon Jang Gwangyong Yi Hyeonjin Jeon Chungsik Yoon |
| author_sort | Miyeon Jang |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background: With global trends of carbon neutrality and ecofriendliness, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been rapidly increasing. However, occupational health research within this sector is significantly lacking. Thus, this study aimed to understand the industrial value chain, processes, and current status of hazardous chemicals associated with LIBs. Methods: Through a literature review and a survey of business sites, the LIB industry was categorized into 10 industrial groups. We visited 32 workplaces in the Republic of Korea, and conducted on-site surveys. Results: Primary mineral raw materials used in LIBs include lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al) often in compound forms, alongside graphite, posing significant challenges in management due to their micrometer-sized particles. Furthermore, metals used in a salt form (such as LiOH or sulfate salts) can irritate the skin or respiratory system, particularly Ni and Co known to be toxic substances designated as human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Acids, bases, and various solvents are also used to improve batteries' electrical properties. Dichloromethane classified as carcinogenic 2A by the International Agency for Research on Cancer is widely used in the separator industry. Carbonate-based solvents are widely used in electrolytes with potential for exposure in battery cell manufacturers and recycling industries. However, they are not classified as regulated substances, leading to inadequate management practices. Conclusion: This study identified processes of each industry and chemical substances utilized in the LIB industry in the Republic of Korea. Based on this study, it is necessary to implement appropriate management measures tailored to industrial processes and types of harmful factors. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-2e41a77836c344f8ad2251ae89f4ed11 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2093-7911 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Safety and Health at Work |
| spelling | doaj-art-2e41a77836c344f8ad2251ae89f4ed112025-08-20T02:47:37ZengElsevierSafety and Health at Work2093-79112025-03-0116111210.1016/j.shaw.2024.10.005Current Status of Processes and Hazardous Chemicals of Lithium-ion Battery Industries in the Republic of KoreaMiyeon Jang0Gwangyong Yi1Hyeonjin Jeon2Chungsik Yoon3Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI), Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), Republic of Korea; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Republic of KoreaOccupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI), Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), Republic of KoreaOccupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI), Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA), Republic of KoreaDepartment of Environmental Health Sciences, Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea; Corresponding author. Department of Environmental Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.Background: With global trends of carbon neutrality and ecofriendliness, the demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has been rapidly increasing. However, occupational health research within this sector is significantly lacking. Thus, this study aimed to understand the industrial value chain, processes, and current status of hazardous chemicals associated with LIBs. Methods: Through a literature review and a survey of business sites, the LIB industry was categorized into 10 industrial groups. We visited 32 workplaces in the Republic of Korea, and conducted on-site surveys. Results: Primary mineral raw materials used in LIBs include lithium (Li), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al) often in compound forms, alongside graphite, posing significant challenges in management due to their micrometer-sized particles. Furthermore, metals used in a salt form (such as LiOH or sulfate salts) can irritate the skin or respiratory system, particularly Ni and Co known to be toxic substances designated as human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Acids, bases, and various solvents are also used to improve batteries' electrical properties. Dichloromethane classified as carcinogenic 2A by the International Agency for Research on Cancer is widely used in the separator industry. Carbonate-based solvents are widely used in electrolytes with potential for exposure in battery cell manufacturers and recycling industries. However, they are not classified as regulated substances, leading to inadequate management practices. Conclusion: This study identified processes of each industry and chemical substances utilized in the LIB industry in the Republic of Korea. Based on this study, it is necessary to implement appropriate management measures tailored to industrial processes and types of harmful factors.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791124000775LIB industry value chainLithium-ion battery (LIB)NCM |
| spellingShingle | Miyeon Jang Gwangyong Yi Hyeonjin Jeon Chungsik Yoon Current Status of Processes and Hazardous Chemicals of Lithium-ion Battery Industries in the Republic of Korea Safety and Health at Work LIB industry value chain Lithium-ion battery (LIB) NCM |
| title | Current Status of Processes and Hazardous Chemicals of Lithium-ion Battery Industries in the Republic of Korea |
| title_full | Current Status of Processes and Hazardous Chemicals of Lithium-ion Battery Industries in the Republic of Korea |
| title_fullStr | Current Status of Processes and Hazardous Chemicals of Lithium-ion Battery Industries in the Republic of Korea |
| title_full_unstemmed | Current Status of Processes and Hazardous Chemicals of Lithium-ion Battery Industries in the Republic of Korea |
| title_short | Current Status of Processes and Hazardous Chemicals of Lithium-ion Battery Industries in the Republic of Korea |
| title_sort | current status of processes and hazardous chemicals of lithium ion battery industries in the republic of korea |
| topic | LIB industry value chain Lithium-ion battery (LIB) NCM |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2093791124000775 |
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