October 25, 2025: A new study is examining whether the manufacturing of lithium ion batteries could pose emerging health and environmental concerns stemming from emissions of toxic gases, handling of materials, and process waste management.

The research initiative from the University of Houston and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) will look into potential toxic emissions from small-scale lithium ion battery manufacturing.

UL revealed the study on August 7, although details have only recently come to light in a technical brief.

Research aims to develop methods to characterize emissions from battery manufacturing in a laboratory environment and establish emission profiles based on various materials commonly used in battery production.

According to UL, solvents like N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, toluene, and isobutyl isobutyrate, which are used for solid-state battery production, may generate volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during handling and processing.

Additionally, fine metal and carbon powders used in the manufacturing of electrodes and electrolytes may contribute to dust, heavy metals, and particulate matter (PM) in the air.

Exposure to VOCs, PM, and metals is associated with various adverse health outcomes, meaning the processes of Li battery manufacturing may present health concerns, UL said.

Systematic characterizations of these emissions are still being developed, which are essential for understanding potential exposure hazards and devising appropriate mitigation strategies.

Results of the study could potentially lead to the creation of data-driven feedback that “guides changes in battery formulation”, UL said.