Yes, it was back in the 80's. But even as recently as a year ago I was looking at backup sump pumps, and the ones at the local big box store had the lead batte

Yes, it was back in the 80's. But even as recently as a year ago I was looking at backup sump pumps, and the ones at the local big box store had the lead battery separate, plus you had to buy the acid in a separate bottle that you add in with distilled water. I do recall that the battery was split open and its guts had hit the ceiling.