KEEPING KIDS SAFE

Coin batteries can be deadly, so it’s essential to keep up to date about the risks

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From remote controls to toys, batteries are in products that most of us use every day. However, it’s important to be aware that if swallowed, small, button/coin batteries can cause severe internal burns and life-threatening injuries in as little as two hours. And they can be found in many common items around the home, so everyone should be aware of the risks.

WHY ARE LITHIUM COIN BATTERIES DANGEROUS?

Babies and young children are naturally curious and are drawn to items like lithium coin batteries, which are small, shiny and lolly-like in shape. If swallowed, these batteries can become lodged in the oesophagus and react with saliva, causing severe internal burns, serious injury and even death, if not detected promptly.

This is particularly dangerous if the battery gets caught in a child’s oesophagus (food pipe), and can become fatal in as little as two hours if it isn’t treated. Batteries can also cause local burns if they get stuck in a child’s nose, ears or under an eyelid.

Kidsafe estimate about 20 kids are rushed to Australian emergency departments each week for suspected lithium coin battery ingestions or insertions.

HOUSEHOLD RISKS