When an AA battery leaks, is it dangerous?

Question

I had 4 AA batteries in a shower radio and when I opened it to replace the batteries there was a white discharge on the batteries and inside of the battery area. I removed them and cleaned up most of the crusty white substance from the battery slots on the radio (but not all of it; I was nervous to touch any of it). But is it dangerous that I touched the white discharge? Is it dangerous that I replaced the old batteries and continue to use the radio?
Just how hazardous is that white substance?

EDIT: Also, I just want to make sure that by touching it, even if I wash my hands, I'm not at risk for getting skin cancer or something. I'm nervous that some of the crusty stuff may have fallen onto my rug or something. I vacuumed but I'm still nervous as heck.

Answer 1

Yes it is. It can cause a FIRE, BURN your skin, or Mess your floor up.

Answer 2

The white substance is acid distillate. It is somewhat dangerous to touch and direct inhalation should be avoided. You need to clean the white discharge out of the player. Use a mixture of Baking soda and water to neutralize the pH of the acid. It is a danger for us because of the high permeability to hydrogen (pH) will bond to water molecules and create a endothermic reaction i.e heat and burn. You should use gloves preferably rubber and not latex and use plenty of baking soda and water to make the waste water as pH neutral as possible.

With the small amount of acid involved and the guidance provided above you should be able to safely clean the radio. If you are still wary about doing this and really want to keep it, take to a electronics repair shop and have them clean it for you, it will cost you some but it is the safest way to handle the problem.

Answer 3

The white stuff is corrosion chemical and can be dangerous. You should wash your hands after touching it. It can eat holes in cloth and cause serious skin irritation. Most reliable battery companies guarantee their batteries against such leakage and will repair or replace the object damaged by the leaking batteries. A small wire brush or a stiff tooth brush dipped in vinegar can be used to clean off the battery contacts.

Answer 4

You did right. The white stuff could burn your hands. Just wash your hands & don't worry about it. It's perfectly OK to continue to use the radio, now that you've cleaned it out. A good thing you discovered it in time, or it could have ruined your radio.

Answer 5

It is probably salt. It is not dangerous, but can be corrosive. You should clean as much of it out of there as you can before replacing the batteries. BTW, it sounds like the seal to the battery compartment went bad. If the batteries got wet, it could cause them to rupture.

Answer 6

1

Answer 7

Clean up the radio to the extent possible. Then wash your hands. You'll be okay.

Answer 8

Its just corrosion. I would not eat it, and I would wash my hands after touching it.

It happened because they were constantly moist.

You can clean the terminals with a brush if needed, be careful not to bend them. Wash your hands with soap and water when done.

Answer 9

IT IS HAZARDOUS MAN. ITS A CHEMICAL BUT I DONT KNOW WHAT IT IS. ITS JUST LIKE A ROTTEN FOOD.

Answer 10

its toxic