Small batteries, often known as button or coin batteries, can be found in almost every home in America. Most children’s products using small batteries are required to have a secured compartment to lessen the chance of a child swallowing a battery. However, children often access the batteries in products typically used by adults, such as remote controls and scales, and seniors sometimes mistake the small batteries for medication or candy.
According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, a growing number of young children and senior adults are swallowing these batteries. Rarely do people realize the severe harm these batteries can cause.
If swallowed, the button battery may pass through the body without causing harm. If the battery becomes lodged in the throat, esophagus, stomach or intestine, however, the outcome can be fatal.
Stomach acids can interact with the battery, triggering an electrical current and a chemical reaction that can severely burn the esophagus or corrode the lining of the digestive tract, leading to severe injury and even death. In some cases, there are no symptoms; in other cases, symptoms of swallowing a button battery will mimic common cold or flu symptoms, making it hard to diagnose.
The nation’s 57 poison control centers recommend these steps to prevent children and seniors swallowing button batteries.
• Keep batteries in original packaging until ready for use.
• Do not leave button batteries lying around, as they can be easily mistaken for medicine or candy.
• Keep button batteries out of children’s reach.
• Do not allow children to play with button batteries or items whose button batteries are easily accessible. Children’s toys should have a secure compartment for batteries.
• Properly dispose of button batteries. Dead batteries can still cause injury.
• If someone swallows a button battery, call your local poison control center at (800) 222-1222.
For more information about button battery safety, call your local poison center at (800) 222-1222 and ask to speak to an educator, or visit the Battery Controlled, a campaign by Energizer and Safe Kids Worldwide, at www.thebatterycontrolled.com.