> I am confused.  I've driven air-cooled VWs for many years and the battery
> was under the rear seat.  It was not sealed.
> Are you telling me I should close off the area under the seat in my '70
> Beetle?

Chris,
I would not use the word 'should' ... it is certainly an individual's choice
what they choose to inhale into their lungs.

As to why some vehicles do not the seal battery compartments that are in
passenger areas even though the fumes a battery emits are toxic:

Just because the legal authorities allow or even approve something does not
mean it is healthy for you.... after all the domestic water pipes of Rome
were made of lead :)    ... but, of course we of the great American Century
are much too enlightened for that aren't we? .... I guess that's why the
government not only allowed, but insisted on, adding MTBE to gasoline :)

Personlly, I choose not to trust the government with protecting my health
and so I choose not to breathe the battery fumes because common sense tells
me not to inhale toxic fumes...
'
It is your choice... no 'shoulds' intended,,, I just like to promote people
being informed about what they are choosing..

Bill