International Awareness Week on Button Battery Safety

In Australia, an estimated four children per week present to an emergency department with an injury related to a button battery. 

As part of the International Awareness Week on Button Battery Safety, Erica Edmands, President of Kidsafe Victoria, highlighted the severe and little known risk these batteries pose for children. Ms Edmands advised that button batteries are often ‘invisible’ to adults as many devices come with the batteries already installed.

“To small children, a button battery could look like a silver lolly, however if they are ingested, they can lead to deadly consequences,” said Ms Edmands.

“We are urging parents to conduct a button battery audit in their home and car to ensure all used button batteries are disposed of safely.”

Earlier today, Ms Edmands joined the Minister for Consumer Affairs, The Hon Heidi Victoria and Dr Adam West at Monash Children’s Hospital with a powerful ham demonstration showing just how quickly the batteries can erode through tissue.

Button batteries can be found in everyday devices, including:

•          Remote controls e.g. ones that unlock car doors and control electronic devices;
•          Calculators;
•          Hearing aids;
•          Bathroom scales;
•          Reading lights;
•          Flameless candles; and
•          Talking and singing books and greeting cards.
•          Examine devices and make sure the battery compartment is secure;
•          Keep coin-sized button batteries and devices out of sight and out of reach of small children;
•          Dispose of old button batteries immediately;
•          If swallowing of a button battery is suspected, go to an emergency department immediately; and
•          Tell others about this threat and share these steps.

For more information regarding the dangers posed by button batteries, please visit Kidsafe Victoria’s Facebook  page and website at www.kidsafevic.com.au/home-safety/button-batteries.

Kidsafe’s top tips for keeping children safe around batteries: 

•          Examine devices and make sure the battery compartment is secure;
•          Keep coin-sized button batteries and devices out of sight and out of reach of small children;
•          Dispose of old button batteries immediately;
•          If swallowing of a button battery is suspected, go to an emergency department immediately; and
•          Tell others about this threat and share these steps.