i lost my remote control about 6 months ago, and i just found it. i opened up the battery compartment to put in new batteries and there was white powder all over them. did they blow up? is it toxic?
fyi; they are AA size batteries.
2006-08-27 15:29:31 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Consumer Electronics ➔ Other - Electronics
No, the chemicals inside the battery corroded the case of the battery and leaked thru. And yes, I suppose if ingested or inhaled it could be toxic.
2006-08-27 15:33:56 · answer #1 · answered by Albannach 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All batteries are toxic. They contain acid and heavy metals, both which can cause cancer. The white powder is the result of the battery acid escaping from the battery casing and reacting with the lead/zinc on the batteries surface (simple explanation).
Put on latex gloves and remove the batteries. Put them into a ziplock bag so that you can take them to a proper disposal facility (don't just throw them out!). Next, if the battery contacts inside the remote are corroded, use a piece of sandpaper or something to scrape off the corrosion as it is non-conductive and can interfere with the proper operation of your remote.
If you have an Ikea nearby, they have free battery disposal, otherwise call your local city to find out where you can get rid of batteries.
2006-08-27 15:37:54 · answer #2 · answered by Kevin M 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I'm assuming they are alkaline batteries. There are no toxic heavy metals involved such as lead. Small amounts of zinc are not toxic.
The white stuff is the electrolyte which is Zn/MnO2. The main danger is that it is alkaline. That is, it has high pH and can burn the skin, similar to an acid burn.
But if you are a little careful you should be OK. Wash your hands when you are finished. If the powder is really dry there is much less of a chance of burning. If you are worried, use disposable gloves.
2006-08-29 08:14:15 · answer #3 · answered by Tom H 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes AA size batteries are toxic if they exploded. I'm not sure about the white powder but you shouldn't touch it.
2006-08-27 15:37:08 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, they just leaked... No biggie. Just clean the white stuff out of the remote and replace with new batteries.
And no, the contents of batteries is not toxic. It's just a paste. I wouldn't recommend eating it, as that may cause a bit of distress, but getting it on your fingers is no big deal, just wash it off. It's not corrosive or anything and won't burn or hurt your skin.
2006-08-27 15:38:11 · answer #5 · answered by xeuvisoft 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no, those batteries leaked and corroded the aluminum covering of the battery, immediatly remove the batterys and wash your hands, then wipe up all the white powder, its not toxic if you dont eat it, but if you get in contact with any powder, wash your hands good, it is corrosive
2006-08-27 15:35:30 · answer #6 · answered by zrogerz69 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2017-03-05 05:18:47 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋