Button batteries have the potential to be one of the most dangerous items for children in the home. Here are some guidelines and safety tips for you about button battery to keep your little ones safe.
What is a button battery?
Button batteries are small round batteries, of varying sizes, that you can find in many different everyday items around the home. Button batteries can cause serious injury and even death if swallowed, so it is of utmost importance that they are always kept out of reach of little fingers.
Large flat button batteries pose a great danger due to the possibility of choking, but even the smallest button batteries can cause serious harm to children. Button batteries are not only a choking hazard, they contain incredibly dangerous chemicals that can cause severe internal injury if ingested. The chemical reaction that takes place within the body when a lithium battery is swallowed creates caustic soda, which is used as drain unblocker! Sadly the damage caused by this can be life-altering or even fatal.
Common household items that contain a button battery
Button batteries can be found in many everyday household items that children may play with. They are commonly found in car key fobs, gaming headsets, remote controls and battery-operated candles. Toys in the UK should have all batteries contained in a secure compartment, usually with a screw, but check all toys to ensure they are safe. Novelty items such as singing cards and small novelty light-up toys usually contain button batteries that may not be secure.
Tips on how to keep young children safe from button batteries
Reduce the risk that button batteries pose to children by following these safety tips –
- Check your household products to see where button batteries are in your home.
- Check packaging and keep all batteries in sealed containers out of reach of children.
- Products with unsecured battery compartments should always be kept away from children.
- Check that toys meet UK safety standards, as imported toys could potentially be hazardous.
- Make sure that “spent” batteries are treated with the same care as new ones as they are just as dangerous. Store away from children until they can be safely disposed of.
- Teach children that batteries are dangerous.
What to do in an emergency
If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery take the child to A&E or call 999 for an ambulance immediately.
- Explain to the doctor clearly, in as much detail as possible, what battery you believe they have swallowed. If you have the packaging, take this with you!
- Do not try to make your child sick.
- Do not allow the child to eat or drink.
- Act fast, do not delay and seek treatment as soon as possible.
To reduce the risks of button batteries in the home, follow safety advice, make sure all batteries are always out of reach of children and know what to do in case of an emergency.
Safety is our top priority at All About Children, please contact us to find out more about what we do.