Characterisation of occupational exposure to metals and chemicals and potential health effects during manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries

Research problem and specific questions: In Sweden, a large-scale expansion of lithium-ion battery (LiB) production for transports is underway in line with the green transition to phase out fossil fuels.

Chemical health risks in this new occupational context are unknown.We aim to:1) characterise the occupational exposure to metals as well as chemicals with specific regulations, used during manufacturing of LiB.2) investigate potential health effects related to such exposures in target organs among workers.3) perform health risk assessments and propose recommendations for occupational health surveillance and guideline values for biomonitoring.4) together with the companies find solutions to minimise the identified risks.Data and method: The project will be performed among workers from two large facilities manufacturing LiB in Sweden that will start their operation in 2024-2025.

In three work packages, we will specifically:1) characterise the exposure to metals (lithium, nickel, cobalt) through air and skin sampling and biomonitoring (in blood and urine)2) characterise the exposure to solvents (1-methyl-2-pyrrolodione) and glue components (diisocyanates, methyl methacrylate) through air and skin sampling3) investigate potential health effects in target organs (skin, lungs, thyroid and kidneys), propose occupational health surveillance, guideline values for biomonitoring, and together with the companies find strategies to minimise health risks.Societal relevance and utilization: This project will provide knowledge on working conditions in the growing LiB industry.

We will work closely with the companies and occupational health services and disseminate the results among stakeholders, to ensure the implementation of the results. This knowledge will also be useful for other similar facilities in Sweden and internationally.

Thousands of workers will be employed in these new workplaces the coming years, and thus it is critical to understand potential occupational health risks.

The project contributes to a safe and sustainable working life on the short and long term and helps achieving the global goals of Agenda 2030.Plan for project realization: The project will be performed in two facilities manufacturing LiB in Sweden. Sampling campaigns and laboratory analyses will be performed in 2024-2025.

In 2026, we will perform the data analysis and writing of scientific publications and a final report.