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Even though Li-ion battery powered cars are better for the environment than gasoline powered vehicles, the materials used to create them have the potential to harm the environment and human health. The batteries with nick and cobalt cathodes have the greatest possibility of impact, such as environmental toxicity, global warming, and resource depletion. Also, production of these metals can create problematic respiratory, pulmonary, and neurological affects in those exposed. This applies to environmental science because the manufacturing of these batteries may introduce toxins into surrounding environments, affecting local plant an animal species. Also, aforementioned resource depletion needs to be checked, because the mining of these materials may create an adverse reaction to the local ecosystem. Are these Li-ion batteries worth these risks, are they still an improvement over gas-powered vehicles?