Lead-acid batteries can produce explosive mixtures of hydrogen and oxygen gases when they are being charged. Note that in some cases, hydrogen gas has been found to interfere with carbon monoxide detectors.

a battery is charged, the charging current produces electrical “charges” which cause the substances in the battery to unite, due to the attraction of position and negative charges for one another.

It was determined that lead batteries do not emit carbon monoxide. They do, however, emit hydrogen. Hydrogen gas like carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. If you’re carbon monoxide detector sounds, evacuate the home immediately and then call 9-1-1.

Extensive damage to the mouth, throat, eyes, lungs, esophagus, nose, and stomach is possible. If the poison enters the lungs, serious damage may occur, both immediately and long-term. Swallowing the poison may cause death. It may occur as long as a month after the poisoning.

The fatal amount is between 1 tsp and ½ oz of the concentrated chemical, but even few drops may be lethal if the acid gains access to the trachea; it seems that there is no correlation between the severity of the symptoms and the degree of injury.

Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath. ► Exposure to Lithium can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

The sulfuric acid (electrolyte) in batteries is highly corrosive. Always practice good hygiene and wash your hands after handling a battery and before eating. If you handle the lead plates in a battery and don’t wash your hands properly, you could be exposed to lead.

“When we’re washing the dishes, we’re constantly getting our hands clean,” says Jason “The Germ Guy” Tetro, author of The Germ Files. Great, so no extra washing needed! It’s always good to wash your hands when you’re completely finished — just to be sure you’re safe.”

Any surface that multiple people touch throughout the day is likely to carry germs, including handrails, handles, and doorknobs. Wash your hands after touching surfaces like these in public locations, and especially after using public transportation.