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Mercury batteries store and supply energy, using mercury oxide and zinc to create electrons. They were popular until the mid-1990s when many countries banned or restricted their production due to the toxic effects of mercury. Mercury can still be found in button cell batteries, which should be disposed of properly to avoid environmental damage.
A mercury battery is a cell that stores and supplies energy for a variety of applications. Mercury batteries have achieved a high degree of popularity due to their large storage capacity, long life, and stable output voltage. These batteries were commonly used in devices such as cameras and radios from their introduction in the 1940s until the mid-1990s when many nations chose to ban or restrict the production of mercury batteries. Even today, batteries containing small amounts of mercury are produced for use in watches, hearing aids and calculators.
A battery creates energy by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. Different types of batteries use different materials to create electrons. A mercury battery generally uses a form of mercury known as mercury oxide. Mercury oxide is the positive component, or cathode, of the battery and reacts with a negative anode, or negative component, which typically consists of zinc.
When a connection is made between the positive and negative terminals of a battery, a chemical reaction produces electrons. In a mercury battery, the chemical reaction between mercuric oxide and zinc produces electrons. When electrons flow from the negative to the positive terminal of a battery, electricity is created. The electricity created then flows to the device connected to the battery, supplying the device with energy.
Mercury batteries may not be as widely available today as many nations have banned or greatly restricted their production and use. Mercury is a toxic chemical that can affect and damage body parts such as the brain, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract of those exposed to it. Some forms of mercury are caustic and can cause tissue damage to humans and animals if they come in contact with.
Even in areas where the use and production of mercury batteries is restricted and regulated, mercury can still be found in button cell batteries. Coin cells are circular-shaped batteries commonly used in devices such as hearing aids, watches, calculators, and cameras. When used properly, a mercury coin cell battery is safe to handle and use.
However, it is important that mercury-containing batteries are disposed of properly and not used for purposes other than those intended for the battery. Many municipalities have mercury battery collection and disposal programs to ensure that mercury batteries are disposed of safely. Improperly disposed of batteries can lead to the release of mercury into the environment, which can cause damage to the surrounding ecosystem and groundwater.
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