Button Cell Battery Risks, Warnings and Safety

Button cell batteries, although small and seemingly harmless, can pose grave dangers if not handled and stored properly. This announcement highlights the risks associated with these batteries and provides essential guidance for safeguarding your children and preventing catastrophic incidents.

II. The Risk

Button batteries are found in numerous consumer and household products, making them readily accessible to children. The consequences of ingestion or insertion into body orifices can be severe, including lifelong injuries or even death.

III. The Products

Button batteries power a wide range of items, including remote controls, watches, computers, cameras, calculators, and more.

Notably, many children's toys also use these batteries for light and sound effects, making it crucial to be vigilant.

IV. The Impact

In Australia, one child per month suffers serious injuries due to button battery ingestion or insertion, with some facing lifelong consequences.

This issue is not limited to Australia, as there is a growing global record of injuries and fatalities related to button batteries.

V. Risks to Young Children

Children aged 0–5 are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller oesophagus and tendency to explore objects orally, in their ears, or noses. Several factors contribute to the risk:

• Insecure battery compartments
• Non-child-resistant packaging
• Poor quality products
• Loose batteries in packaging
• Improper disposal of used batteries

VI. The Consequences

When swallowed, coin-sized button batteries can lodge in a child's oesophagus, triggering an immediate electrical current that causes severe burns to vital organs.

These injuries can be fatal within hours, and ongoing medical treatment may be necessary.

VII. Safe Usage Guidelines

To mitigate these risks:

• Ensure secure battery compartments in products
• Store both new and used batteries out of children's reach
• Safely replace and dispose of batteries
• Take prompt action in case of ingestion or insertion

VIII. Emergency Response

If you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, contact the Poisons Information Centre immediately on 13 11 26 for expert advice. Prompt action is crucial; do not wait for symptoms to appear.

IX. Recognising Symptoms

Symptoms to watch out for include:

• Gagging or choking
• Drooling
• Chest pain
• Coughing or noisy breathing
• Unexplained vomiting or food refusal
• Bleeding from the gut
• Nosebleeds
• Unexplained fever
• Abdominal pain
• General discomfort
• Spitting blood or blood-stained saliva
• Bloody discharge from ear or nose

Remember that children may not always exhibit these symptoms, so seek medical assistance if you suspect button battery ingestion or insertion.

For more information you can download the Button Battery Fact sheet available here.