# Effect of high humiidity on standard AAA batteries

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-high-humiidity-on-standard-aaa-batteries/739014>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [November 30, 2015, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-high-humiidity-on-standard-aaa-batteries/739014 "2015-11-30T04:56:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Velocity](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/velocity/32/18006_2.png) [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-high-humiidity-on-standard-aaa-batteries/739014/1 "2015-11-30T04:56:16Z")

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I know humidity is ‘bad’ for household AAA batteries, but what exactly would or does happen?

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**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-high-humiidity-on-standard-aaa-batteries/739014/2 "2015-11-30T07:41:07Z")

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I’ve never heard that humidity is bad for batteries. Exposure to liquid water could be though (and high humidity can result in the condensation of water, so I guess it follows)

The cases of household cells are typically made from rolled steel, which can rust. The containers are designed to withstand a certain amount of internal pressure arising from the chemical processes inside - rust may weaken them sufficiently to permit them to rupture.

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**Author:** ![usedtobe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ec9cab/32.png) [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-high-humiidity-on-standard-aaa-batteries/739014/3 "2015-11-30T09:25:24Z")

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I haven’t seen a failed battery since the case was lead and the center post was carbon.  
IIRC, those were actually lead-acid batteries.

The acid inside could eat through the lead cylinder. If you find an ancient flashlight with the battery compartment badly corroded, those old batteries were responsible.

I cannot imagine a modern battery giving a rat’s patooie about moisture.

p.s. - I saw a camera built in or shortly after 1985 with that corrosion. Have not seen anything more recent.

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**Author:** ![Common\_Tater](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/common_tater/32/13846_2.png) [@Common\_Tater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Common_Tater)\
**Post date:** [November 30, 2015, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-high-humiidity-on-standard-aaa-batteries/739014/4 "2015-11-30T09:54:26Z")

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Actually the latest alkaline batteries seem to have had a resurgence of badly leaking examples. I’ve no idea why, some seem to think it’s a result of manufacturers somehow cheapening the materials or construction. Carbon-zinc batteries are still available but not much utility.