Number
055-EN
Section
General Section
Use
Sector
Health services
Function
Semiconductor and photovoltaic agent
Process
Low energy manipulationand handling of substances bound in/onmaterials or articles
High (mechanical) energy work-up of substances bound in /on materials and/or articles
Other hot work operations with metals
Product category
Base metals and alloys
Semiconductors
Electrolytes for batteries
Application
Batteries for defibrilators
Abstract
Lithium ion batteries are an alternative to those based on nickel and cadmium (NiCd). Medical equipment, like portable defibrillators, is still allowed by EU legislation to use NiCd batteries but producers of newer equipment have already turned to lithium based alternatives.
Substituted substances
Cadmium
CAS No. 7440-43-9 EC No. 231-152-8 Index No. 048-002-00-0
Chemical group
Metals
Classification: hazard statements
H250 Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air
H350 May cause cancer
H341 Suspected of causing genetic defects
H361fd Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child
H330 Fatal if inhaled
H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure
H400 Very toxic to aquatic life
H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Other adverse effects
The substance is: 1 carcinogen (IARC) as listed in the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC).
Alternative Substances
Lithium
CAS No. 7439-93-2 EC No. 231-102-5 Index No. 003-001-00-4
Chemical group
Classification: hazard statements
H260 In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously
H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage
Reliability of information
Internet information: data are from an internet document and only a basic and partial evaluation could be performed
Reason substitution
CMR
physical hazards
ecotoxicity
Hazard Assessment
Substance to be substituted: NiCd batteries have electrodes made of hazardous metals compounds, like cadmium (classified according to EU legislation as carcinogen cat. 1B, mutagen cat. 2 and toxic for reproduction cat.2). Cadmium and some of its compounds are Substances of very high concern and are included on the REACH restriction list, according to Article 73 of Regulation (EG) No. 1907/2006. (REACH Regulation) Alternative substance: Lithium is not listed in the SUBSPORTplus Database. Compared to NiCd batteries, the Li-ion type have electrodes made of less hazardous materials (cathode: or LiFePO4 or Li2FePO4F, LiMn2O4, LiCoO2 anode: graphite or lithium titanate). » Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORTplus Screening Criteria (SDSC)
Description of Substitution
Portable monitors and defibrillators used for emergency cases are now available in versions equipped with lithium ion batteries that are an alternative to NiCd ones. Lithium based batteries can store enough energy needed for their applications, can be rapidly charged and are easy to transport due to lighter weight than in the case of other batteries. Lithium ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small, lightweight package. They can quickly charge to their full capacity: 2 hours to reach 80% of capacity and 3 hours to achieve a fully charged state from a fully discharged state. Lithium ion batteries do not show negative effects of partial charging (the ‘memory’ effect) like NiCd batteries.
Case/substitution evaluation
Cadmium in portable batteries has been restricted in EU by the RoHS Directive but medical equipment is among the several exemptions to which these provisions (still) do not apply. Alternatives to NiCd batteries for certain applications, like defibrillators, were not considered technically feasible until recently. Lithium ion batteries are fast developing and improving and have already an increasing share on the market. Their electrodes are made of less hazardous materials compared to those of NiCd, but the electrolyte may contain fluoridated slats or polymers for which data on hazards are still limited. They are more sensitive to heat and have an increased risk of fire, though recent developments improved their safety. In terms of lifespan and number of charge/discharge cycles they are comparable to the NiCd ones. They do not have the disadvantage of the ‘memory effect’ like NiCd batteries, can be more rapidly charged and are lighter, which is important for portable devices. Therefore, in this case study, the substitution has succeeded, but could still be improved because of the remaining risks.
State of implementation
In use
Date and place of implementation
Dutch producer . International distribution of its products
Availability of Alternative
The battery is available on the market integrated in the related medical equipment manufactured by the same producer.
Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor
Further information
EU Directive 2006/66/EC on batteries and accumulators http://www.subsportplus.eu/substitution-in-legislation/batteries-and-accumulators-directive Study on banning Cadmium batteries for cordless power tools http://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/batteries/pdf/cadmium_report.pdf
Type of publication and availability
Freely available on internet
Publication source: author, company, institute, year
Philips Healthcare - part of Royal Philips Electronic
Date, reviewed
December 11, 2020