Lithium batteries are designed to be long lasting. They are among the longest lasting batteries available. Lithium batteries can be used in a variety of electronic items, primarily items which need to have a reliable source of energy. Lithium batteries have many commercial and industrial uses in addition to being used in consumer products. With their increasing importance, new methods of safe disposal of lithium batteries are also being developed.
Properties of Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries come in two different configurations: primary and secondary. Primary batteries are designed to be used and replaced when depleted. Secondary batteries are designed with the capacity to be replenished a number of times before finally being discarded. Primary and secondary lithium batteries have different uses, but each is designed to be longer lasting than conventional batteries.
Non Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Non rechargeable lithium batteries are designed to be used in smaller electronic items, which nonetheless need a high capacity battery. Non rechargeable lithium batteries are often used with digital cameras and portable CD players. They are also used in watches and in toys which have a high demand for power.
Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Among the most common uses for rechargeable lithium batteries is for laptop computers. Rechargeable lithium batteries are also commonly used for mobile telephones. More recently, rechargeable lithium batteries have been designed for cameras, portable audio devices and other high drain electronic items which would ordinarily use disposable batteries.
Electric Cars
With the push toward more sustainable means to power automobiles which began in the late 20th century, lithium batteries are also being developed to run electric cars. The potential of lithium batteries for electric cars is their ability to store a large amount of energy in a relatively small package. Hybrid cars use battery powered engines as secondary energy sources to save gasoline consumption. The GM Volt, an electric powered car with a supplemental fuel engine, is scheduled to begin commercial production in 2010.
Commercial and Industrial Uses
Lithium batteries also have a number of uses beyond consumer products. For instance, many medical devices such as pacemakers are powered by lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are also used for emergency power, lighting and other aerospace and military applications. Lithium batteries are also used in industrial equipment such as forklifts.
Meth Labs
Lithium batteries are among the many common household items used in the illegal production of methamphetamine in "meth labs," most of which are in residential homes. The lithium is extracted from the batteries in the process of "cooking" or producing the drug. While lithium batteries pose little danger when properly used and disposed, the process of stripping lithium from batteries in producing methamphetamine exposes individuals to severe health risks from breathing in lithium dust.
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