An investigation reveals that lead recycled in Nigeria under hazardous conditions—where workers break batteries with machetes and dump acid into waterways—ends up in the U.S. supply chain through international traders like Trafigura and ultimately reaches companies such as East Penn. Despite audits, oversight fails at critical points, leaving recyclers blind to on-the-ground dangers. In Nigerian communities, lead levels near smelters are alarmingly high, with children and adults suffering severe health effects. Government promises since 2018 have led to minimal improvements, and temporary shutdowns after media exposure did little to ensure lasting change. The cost of safer practices is low—just a few dollars per battery—but incentives are lacking. Meanwhile, U.S. companies only confront these realities when confronted by journalists, exposing deep gaps in ethical accountability across global recycling networks.