Beware of button battery dangers, warns safety charity RoSPA
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WITH many homes seeing an influx of toys and gadgets after Christmas, a warning has been issued about the dangers of button batteries.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is alerting householders to the possible perils of button batteries, which can also be called LR44 batteries, button cell batteries, or coin batteries
While toys are required to have a secure compartment for button batteries, other items like electronic car keys, novelties and light up accessories are not.
The batteries can present many dangers, especially if they get into the hands of children.
When mixed with saliva, live or dead batteries release caustic soda which can easily burn through flesh. This can burn through organs, such as from the oesophagus to the heart. It can cause catastrophic internal bleeding, and a child might not always be able to articulate how they are feeling or that they have ingested one.
Children are particularly at risk due to having a smaller digestive tract which makes it more likely button batteries can get lodged.
If a parent or carer suspects their child has swallowed a button battery, they should seek immediate medical attention.
Some of the signs to look out for are:
- Suddenly developing a cough, gagging or drooling a lot.
- Being sick and having an upset stomach.
- Pointing to their throat or stomach.
- Having tummy, chest or throat pain.
- Being quiet or more clingy than usual.
- Having a reduced appetite and not wanting to eat.
Phillip LeShirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, said: “The dangers posed by button batteries should not be underestimated, and RoSPA welcomes the news that Standards for Toys have been strengthened recently to reduce further the risks that button batteries pose.
"We are advising parents to be mindful that it is not just toys that contain button batteries, and to be extra vigilant.”
