INTERESTING
Taking a step away from the world of orthopedics, I would like to bring awareness to a topic that I am truly passionate about… Button Batteries
Did you know that more than 3,000 button batteries are ingested by children each year in the United States? Button batteries can cause severe injury and even death if ingested. It only takes a couple of hours after ingestion for a button battery to burn the tissue inside a child’s esophagus. They are also harmful when children put them in their ears and noses. This is an important topic for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to be aware of, as awareness is the key to prevention! These shiny and small batteries are attractive to children and are more common in your home than you may realize.
What are button batteries?
Button batteries are small, metallic, round batteries often found in toys, games, remote controls, calculators, watches, hearing aids, musical greeting cards, thermometers, ornaments, bathroom scales, cameras or key fobs.
Why are button batteries dangerous?
These batteries can cause harm if the battery gets caught in the ear, nose, esophagus, stomach or intestines, even when they no longer power a device. They can still produce a charge when in contact with tissue. The electrical current can “burn” the tissue resulting in hemorrhaging, which is most detrimental if the button battery is swallowed. This can lead to ulcers, significant blood loss, serious infections, possible surgeries and death. Sometimes batteries can pass through the stomach and intestines without causing damage but require very close monitoring during that time.
What to do if you suspect a child has ingested a button battery?
-If a child ingests a button battery, they may or may not have symptoms or could appear mild such as symptoms of the common cold. However, some symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, drooling, coughing blood, trouble swallowing, chest pain, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, dark or bloody stool, and decreased appetite.
-If you suspect a button battery ingestion, seek medical attention right away. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
-Do not induce vomiting, unless otherwise told to do so.
Safe Battery Use and Storage
-Be aware of button batteries in your home and where they are located.
-Store all batteries where children cannot see or reach them. Recycle or throw out used batteries properly. Many communities have battery drop-off bins where you can take used batteries.
-Make sure all battery compartments are securely closed with a screw AND tape. Do not give a child any toy if the battery compartment can be opened easily (battery compartments are not always secure or may open if the device is dropped).
-Keep purses and bags out of reach if they hold key fobs or other devices that use button batteries.
-Watch children carefully whenever they use devices containing button batteries.
-And lastly (my favorite suggestion) you can choose to refrain from having button batteries in your home at all!!
Good News….
As awareness of button battery injuries grows, there have been some advances in preventative measures. In 2022, Reese’s Law was enacted to mandate button batteries be packaged in child resistant packaging. This includes packaging that requires the use of a tool or two independent and simultaneous hand movements to open. The packaging must also bear a warning of injury. In addition, some battery companies now apply a bitter coating to button batteries to discourage ingestion. However, you would have to specifically purchase button batteries that are labeled “bitter coating”.
Available Resources
-Your local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222)
-National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline (800-498-8666).
*Remember: if you suspect someone has ingested a button battery, do not wait for symptoms to occur, seek medical attention immediately*
