Power-Sonic SAFETY DATA SHEET Secondary Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride Rechargeable Batteries - Manual (Page 3)

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Section 5 - Health Hazard Data
Human Hazards
A Sealed Nickel-Metal hydride cell is not hazardous to humans in normal use.
Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and Source: N/A
Physical
Nickel plated steel does not present any risk providing the cells are used for their intended purpose and according to valid
directions for use.
Chemical
In normal use there is no chemical risk. Should the battery be misused (abusive overcharge, reverse charge, external short
circuit etc.) some electrolyte may leak from the cell through the safety vent. See Section 6 below for suggested action.
Ingestion
Ingestion – If the electrolyte is ingested the electrolyte may cause localized burns.
Inhalation
During normal use inhalation is highly unlikely due to the containment of hazardous materials inside the sealed battery case.
However, if the batteries are exposed to extreme heat or pressure causing a breach in the battery case, exposure to the
constituents may occur. Inhalation of Cobalt dusts may result in pulmonary conditions.
Skin Absorption
Skin absorption – There is no evidence of adverse effects based on available data.
Skin Contact
Exposure to the electrolyte inside the battery may result in chemical burns. Exposure to nickel may cause dermatitis for some
sensitive individuals.
Eye Contact
Exposure to the electrolyte contained inside the battery may result in severe irritation and chemical burns.
Carcinogenicity
Nickel has been identified by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) as reasonably anticipated to be a carcinogen. Cobalt has
been identified by IARC as a 2B carcinogen.
Other Effects of Repeated (Chronic) Exposure
Chronic overexposure to nickel may result in cancer; dermal contact may result in dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure
A knowledge of the toxicology information and of the physical and chemical properties of the material suggests that
overexposure is unlikely to aggravate existing medical conditions.