Button batteries may be small but they can pose a big risk to young children. Island Health and the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit (BCIRPU) are calling on all parents and caregivers this National Poison Prevention Week, March 16 to 22, to help shape future safety efforts and prevent injuries and fatalities.
Island Health and BCIRPU at BC Children's Hospital Research Institute created an online survey for parents and caregivers to better understand British Columbians' knowledge of button battery safety. Results will be used to inform provincial and national working groups and guide public awareness and advocacy for safer consumer products and stronger regulations for button batteries packaging.
The survey takes less than five minutes to complete. Responses will remain anonymous. The survey closes March 31. Respondents can enter to win a gift card upon survey completion.
Many common household products and toys use button batteries including toothbrushes, watches, alarm clocks, bathroom scales, hearing aids, and key fobs. If swallowed or inserted into a part of the body, even if the battery is dead, can cause permanent damage, and life-threatening internal chemical burns in as little as two hours.
“Button batteries, also known as disc, flat or coin batteries, can be found everywhere and are commonly in giveaway, promotional or charity products, and in toys in children’s party bags,” said Neil Arason, injury prevention specialist, Island Health. “Because button batteries are so small, they are most commonly ingested through the mouth and swallowed, but they can also be inserted into the nose, ears, or other parts of the body.”
Data from the last nine years shows an average 20 people a year are treated at Island Health emergency departments for button battery injuries. Most of the patients are under four years old and need urgent or rapid medical care.
Poison prevention tips for batteries:
- Consider whether you can reduce the number of consumer products you bring into your home that use button batteries
- If you bring consumer products into your home that use these batteries, ensure the products’ battery compartment is secure and requires a tool like a screwdriver to access the button battery)
- Treat button batteries like any other form of poison and keep them in a locked cabinet out of reach of children. Be sure to secure new and dead batteries in their packages.
For suspected poisonings, call 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911. If the person loses consciousness or has difficulty breathing, call 9-1-1.
Learn more about button battery safety.