Posted by Keri Hartwright Last updated 9th July 2018 reading time
Button batteries are something that have long been highlighted as a big risk to small children who like to put everything in their mouths. If they are swallowed and get stuck in the oesophagus the results can be devastating and at times fatal.
Christmas is rapidly approaching, the season where our houses will fill to the brim with new toys to entertain our little people over the coming year, and what parent doesn’t like to spoil their child. With that in mind it is important to once again raise awareness of their dangers.
The safety risk they present has been highlighted by the Child Accident Prevention Trust (www.capt.org.uk). Unfortunately the stories that sometimes come up in the news, tend to happen after the worst has happened and parents want to let others know. If you are informed you can take steps to reduce the risk.
What are they and where can they be found?
Button batteries are present in a number of household items which often have buttons and other things on them which make them attractive to explore. Below are some of the items they may be found in:
small remote controls
car key fobs
calculators
thermometers
hearing aids
digital scales
musical cards
novelty toys
watches
flameless candles and nightlights (CAPT, 2016)
If your children’s toys have been appropriately tested to meet certain safety standards the battery compartment should be screwed down making them harder to open, although it is important to point out that older children may be able to open these battery compartments.
Safety Advice
In order to keep your children safe from this risk there are a few things you can do to protect them, for example you can keep the toys out of harm’s way. Store spare batteries in a locked cupboard, or one that is out of reach although be mindful of little climbers who are have learnt how to problem solve in order to reach things that they want. Try to buy your toys from a reputable supplier, making sure they meet British Safety Standards.
These batteries often pass through the system without issue, but if they do get stuck somewhere such as the throat or in an ear or nose, the energy they release can cause the body to produce caustic soda which is extremely corrosive. If it does get stuck in their throat the battery could burn a hole or cause internal bleeding.
It may not be immediately obvious that a battery is stuck until the damage has started to occur. If you think your child may have swallowed a button battery you should take them to the Emergency Department and advise the Drs of your concerns, don’t allow them to eat or drink anything and do not make them vomit.
Awareness is spreading around this issue but it is important to get the word out there, because if one child can be saved or one injury prevented it is a job well done
