This year we wanted to take time out of the festive preparation to highlight the dangers of button batteries that are used in many festive decorations and children’s toys. Many people are not aware of how dangerous these tiny little batteries can be.

What are they and what are the dangers?

LR44 batteries, button cell batteries or coin batteries are small batteries used to power many household items and toys, even some greetings cards. The size and shape of these batteries is one of their problems and is what makes them appealing to children as they can look like sweets.

If one of these batteries is swallowed it can cause severe issues. Choking is not necessarily an issue with the batteries, but it can be one of the consequences. The more common issues are serious internal damage as the battery reacts with the saliva in the mouth and throat which results in the production of caustic soda that can burn the lining of the throat or stomach as well as cause damage to other organs in the body.

Often cases of swallowed batteries are not known straight away until severe damage is caused and investigation is done to find out the cause of the symptoms which is only detectable if the battery is still present in the body.

What are the signs of battery ingestion?

It can be difficult to detect whether your child has swallowed a battery but some of the signs are:

• Vomiting fresh, red blood
• Coughing, gagging or drooling
• Stomach upset or virus
• Pain in the stomach, chest or throat
• Tiredness or lethargy
• Loss of appetite or reduced appetite
• Unable to eat solid food

If you think your child has swallowed a button battery you should seek medical advice straight away and minimise the potential damage. More information is available on Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Reducing the risk

There are many things that you can do to reduce the risk to your children which include:

• Ensure that you buy toys that meet Toy Safety Regulations and have lockable battery compartments and ensure that the batteries are secure before giving them to your child.
• Ensure that toys have working batteries before wrapping them to prevent needing to change batteries on Christmas Day when your guard might be down or you might be distracted.
• When changing batteries ensure that the battery compartment is secured afterwards and that old batteries are disposed of safely.
• Store spare batteries in a safe place that is out of reach and in an appropriate container.
• Be aware of what items contain button batteries that are easily accessible around your home such as some musical/light up greetings cards, flameless candles, remote controls, and ensure that the battery compartments are secure.

Whatever you are doing this festive period, we wish you a good and safe time