Technical compatibility and safety of glass fiber in battery separators

Nonwovens comprised of glass fibers are both compatible with the relatively harsh chemical environment in lead-acid batteries, and yet are safe to handle. The health and safety of glass fibers may seem confusing from a regulatory viewpoint, but are in fact highly tested and well understood scientifically to not cause respiratory disease. Here, the authors describe how nonwoven separators made from glass fibers are well situated to withstand scientific scrutiny in these times of suspicion of negative health effects ranging from secondhand smoke to tap water.<>