Better Environmental Sustainability Targets (BEST) For Lead Battery Manufacturers

Occupational Knowledge International (OK International) is working to improve the environmental performance of one of the world's most polluting industries, affecting the health and educational opportunity of millions of children around the globe. The Better Environmental Sustainability Targets (BEST) certification provides recognition for lead battery manufacturers that meet minimum emission standards and agree to take back used batteries for environmentally sound recycling. The objective is to reduce emissions from lead battery plants and recyclers, and prevent lead poisoning through an incentive program for these companies.

We are working cooperatively with companies operating throughout the world to encourage them to adopt the BEST Standard in order to address the environmental and occupational health impacts of these facilities. In partnership with Development Alternatives and the National Referral Centre for Lead Poisoning in India, we developed this standard through a multi-stakeholder process with input from lead battery manufacturers, bulk purchasers, NGOs and other experts.

Impact of Lead Exposure

Lead poisoning is the most serious environmental health threat to children and one of the most significant contributors to occupational disease. Lead causes symptoms ranging from the loss of neurological function to death depending upon the extent and duration of exposure. In children, moderate lead exposure is responsible for a significant decrease in school performance, lowering IQ scores, and is linked with hyperactive and violent behavior. Both children and adults can suffer from a range of illnesses including effects on the central nervous system, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and blood forming system. Lead also affects the reproductive system in both men and women. The annual cost of lead poisoning in children in the U.S. alone is estimated to exceed $43.4 billion. Worldwide estimates are not available, but would greatly exceed this figure, as exposures are known to be significantly higher in developing countries.

By the year 2000, nearly all developed countries had removed lead from gasoline. Most developing countries have followed suit or are in the process of phasing out its use. Lead battery manufacturing and recycling are now the most significant source of lead exposures throughout the world. Average exposure levels in children residing near battery plants in developing countries are four times the current level of concern established by the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the average worker's blood lead level in these plants is approximately twice the recommended level at which workers should be removed from working around lead by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Mass Poisoning Incidents

Although in most cases ongoing exposure to lead causes chronic lead poisoning among children and adults, there have been many reports of localized acute lead poisonings affecting large numbers of people. Over the last twenty years there have been more than fifteen mass poisoning incidents worldwide reported primarily from the manufacturing and recycling of lead batteries. These incidents have affected workers and surrounding residents including children, some of whom have died or suffer permanent neurological damage as a result of exposure. A description of some of the most widely reported incidents from China, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Senegal, Trinidad, and Vietnam is available here .

Program Description

The BEST Standard 1001 is a comprehensive environmental program for lead battery plants. The BEST Standard covers lead emissions, occupational exposures, and a broad range of environmental performance criteria. Participating facilities are subject to annual audits against this performance standard to ensure independent verification.

Independent evaluations are conducted by auditors that are trained and accredited to provide on-site inspections on an annual basis. Companies that demonstrate compliance with the BEST Standard 1001 are eligible to place an eco-label on their products after entering into a license agreement. Program costs will be borne by the participating companies with charges assessed according to production volume.

The eco-label is promoted to further assist companies marketing products made under the Standard. In India, major bulk purchasers such as Hero Honda, Fiat, Mahindra and Tata Motors are already encouraging battery manufacturers they work with to obtain this certification.

The Better Environmental Sustainability Targets (BEST) standard for lead battery manufacturers is available here. For more information, see BEST Resources and Lead Battery Facts.