Chemicals

• Batteries contain sulfuric acid mixed with lead plates. Sulfuric acid is hazardous; it burns through most clothing and may burn through your skin. Warning signs on batteries state that the acid may shoot toward your eyes, causing blindness.
  
  

Reaction

• Most of the chemical compounds in a battery are in a water solution. The water solution causes a chemical reaction with the sulfuric acid. The reaction creates electrons, which are absorbed by the lead plates.
  
  

Emission

• Hydrogen gas is created in the immediate area of the charging battery. This is not a concern to anyone's health, but hydrogen is very flammable. A direct open flame may cause an explosion, destroying the battery and harming anyone working on the car.