The article traces the supply chain of batteries used in millions of U.S. cars to villages in Nigeria, where residents are facing severe health risks due to lead poisoning. Peter S. Goodman, a Times journalist covering economics and geopolitics, details a yearlong investigation into the environmental and health impacts of this global supply chain.
The investigation highlights how lead batteries, common in American vehicles, are being recycled in unregulated conditions in Nigerian communities. These practices often lack proper safety measures, leading to widespread contamination and health issues among local populations.
Goodman’s report underscores the hidden costs of the automotive industry, revealing the human and environmental toll associated with the production and disposal of car batteries. The findings call for greater regulation and corporate accountability in global supply chains.