They may be tiny, but button batteries can be lethal.
More than 1000 Australian children present to emergency departments every year because of button batteries. When swallowed, the batteries can become stuck in a child’s throat and burn through the oesophagus in less than two hours. The burning can lead to serious injury requiring surgery, or death.
Kidsafe Victoria president Erica Edmands said button batteries were found in many common household items including remote controls, calculators, bathroom scales, car keys, toys, watches, talking books and cards and flameless candles.
“Children often have easy access to these common household items. The button batteries can also be invisible to parents and carers as many devices come with the batteries already installed,“ Ms Edmands said.
Director of Paediatric Emergency Medicine at Monash Children’s Hospital Dr Adam West said early detection and removal was vital.
“Injuries from button batteries can require multiple surgeries – the damage can be severe and any delays in removing the batteries can lead to serious and life-threatening complications,“ Dr West said.
Kidsafe Victoria is urging all parents and carers to undertake a button battery survey of their home, including areas such as desks and drawers where spare or used button batteries may be stored.
If you suspect a child has ingested a button battery, the advice is that time is critical so don’t wait for them to show symptoms.
“If you believe a child has ingested a button battery, the new advice is to call the Poisons Information Centre urgently on 13 11 26 for expert advice on what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week,“ Ms Edmands said.
Button battery safety tips
* Look for devices in your home that contain button batteries.
* Examine devices and make sure the battery compartment is secure.
* Keep button batteries locked away out of the sight and reach of children.
* Dispose of old button batteries immediately and safely.
* If you suspect a child may have swallowed a button battery, call the Poisons Information Centre urgently on 13 11 26 for expert advice on what to do 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
* Tell others about the dangers and share these steps.
