Subject: Re: New York Times coverage Electric Cars and Lead

From: Peter Wolfs <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 12 May 1995 02:31:48 GMT

>Anybody catch yesterday's NYT? Long article on the dangers of
>lead emissions from the lead/acid batteries used in electric cars.
>First person they quote? Robert Hahn, economist at that bastion of
>disinterested thought, the American Enterprise Institute.
>
>
>New York Times coverage Electric Cars and Lead

I did some research into lead for photovoltaic systems. Important points include

I) World lead production is around 5 000 000 tons and more than 2 000 000
goes to ICE automotive starting batteries.

II) Recycling of lead batteries provides a third of world demand for lead
and perhaps half of world antimony.

III) Recycling is a lot like smelting. As safe or as dangerous as you
choose to make it.

IV) Lead releases from leaded petrol in 1982 had been 500 000 tons. This is
miles higher than any release from batteries.

I would not be overly concerned about lead in either application.

Dr. Peter J. Wolfs                      [=---=]
Electrical Engineering                    \o/
Central Queensland University              X
Rockhampton M.C. 4702                     / \
Australia
Tel +61 79 30 9599
Fax +61 79 30 9382

Re: New York Times coverage Electric Cars and Lead

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From: Will Stewart <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 12 May 1995 23:10:26 GMT

>disinterested thought, the American Enterprise Institute.
What was the premise of the article?  Does it have the support of
reputable scientists?  We just can't naysay negative consequences of
our pursuits, we have to address them.  I am considering the purchase
of an electric car, and will postpone such decision if the health of my
family would be at risk.  My ultimate goal is the betterment of the
environment and that certainly includes my immediate one.

Regards,

Will Stewart