How Common is Button Battery Ingestion?
- The ingestion of foreign bodies is a serious issue; it isn’t as rare as some might expect.
- The first button battery ingestion death was reported in 1977
- 3,500 button batteries are ingested yearly (in the United States)
- 75% in children < 6 years old
- Most in children 1-3 years old
- There has been a 9 fold increase in button battery ingestions in a 20 year period!
This is a GROWING ISSUE.
Button Batteries In Your Home
Within the household, there are many ways that caregivers can lower the chances of button battery incidents.
Use the A-I-R acronym. Beating Button Batteries is as easy as breathing air!
1. AVOID: purchasing high-risk items
- Purchase batteries that are stored in child-safe packaging or blisters instead of packing that is easily torn away.
- This is the standard for larger companies like Energizer, Panasonic and Duracell.
- Purchase “bitter batteries” that have a bitter taste that may prevent ingestion.
- Avoid devices that need button batteries or that do not secure batteries with a screw or lock. Look for rechargeable devices.
2. IDENTIFY: items in your home that contain button batteries
- A thorough check should be done on all electric devices in the household
- Keep count so you know if one goes missing
- Secure all button batteries (screw locks, duct tape, keep out of reach of children)
- Common items containing button batteries include:
- Hearing aids or cochlear implants
- Games or toys
- Watches
- Calculators
- Flashlights, laser lights, nightlights, LED candle lights
- Remote controls (television, garage door, key fob)
- Clothing and Jewelry (flashing, musical)
- Keychains and AirTags
- Calculators
- Thermometers
- Greeting cards (musical or light-up)
- Books and bookmarks
- Ornaments
- Magnets
3. REMOVE: button batteries from your home in a safe way
- “Dead” button batteries are still “alive”. A dead button battery still has current left in it. Even though injuries are more common with full batteries, children have had burns from dead batteries.
- Change batteries on a flat surface. Batteries can easily slip and roll off of surfaces and get stuck between couch cushions and behind cabinets. Children have found these batteries and swallowed them!
- Completely cover the button battery in duct tape or packing tape
- Do not leave batteries loose in boxes, jars or drawers. They can be picked up by curious children, and can even cause a fire!
- Use Drop-off Depots and Recycling Centres, which can be found online
- Members of the government must continue to push for higher standards of button battery use and increase access to safe disposal units.
Be a Part Of CHANGE
Creating and Purchasing SAFER Button Batteries
Another way to lower the chances of button battery ingestion is with the help of manufactures or legal systems!
Manufacturers should be making child proof products. This includes battery housing in electronic devices and battery packaging. Many other possible solutions are actually being studied right now, including:
- The Bitter Battery, which leaves a nasty taste in the mouths of children who try to ingest them.
