Evaluating and predicting the respiratory hazard of particles used in Li-ion batteries, for a safe and sustainable development

Sironval, Violaine
(2020)

Files

VSIRONVAL2020PhDthesis2.pdf
  • Open Access
  • Adobe PDF
  • 3.69 MB
Download

Details

Authors
  • Sironval, ViolaineUCLouvain
    author
Supervisors
Lison, Dominique
 ;
van den Brule, Sybille
Abstract
Li-ion batteries (LIB) are invading the market and their production and use dramatically increase. LIB are made of relatively insoluble particles, respirable in size and containing toxicologically relevant metal ions such as cobalt or nickel. Workers, and possibly the general population, can be exposed to these particles via inhalation. Information about their respiratory toxicity is, however, very limited. Here, we identified the respiratory toxicity of particles used in LIB in a mouse bioassay, and conclude that they represent a differential respiratory hazard (lung inflammation and fibrosis). Given that a large range of LIB particles with different composition, metal content and synthesis processes are developed by the industry, we investigated the mechanisms of toxicity of these LIB particles. We identified Co and Ni content/bioaccessibility and in vitro/in vivo hypoxia-inducible factor-1 a as determinants and key mediator, respectively, of the inflammatory lung responses induced by LIB particles. These parameters can be monitored in vitro in cell culture to predict the lung inflammatory potential of LIB particles and possibly categorize them. Additionally, we showed that one of the most inflammatory particles, LiCoO2, exerts genotoxic and mutagenic activities in vitro and in vivo with, at least, a primary mechanism and in association with the production of reactive oxygen species. This work provides, for LIB particles, the first toxicological information, and contributes to support stakeholders from academia and industry, in their efforts for a safer and sustainable development of LIB.
Affiliations

Citations

  • APA
  • Chicago
  • FWB

Sironval, V. (2020). Evaluating and predicting the respiratory hazard of particles used in Li-ion batteries, for a safe and sustainable development. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/120912