Button batteries: The hidden dangers and what you can do to keep your kids safe

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics and poison control centers across the U.S., 3,500 button coin batteries are ingested each year, sending thousands of children to the emergency room.
Button or lithium coined batteries are small, coin-size batteries found in many electronic devices such as wristwatches, flashlights, light/laser pointer, penlight, remote control devices, hearing aids, calculators, toys and recorded birthday cards. Their small size means they are easy to swallow. These batteries can cause serious injury, and even death, if the battery is swallowed or gets stuck in a child’s ear or nose.
Children are very inquisitive. As parents, it can be a constant struggle to keep small objects out of your child’s mouth. Since button batteries are small, bright and shiny, they are very attractive to toddlers and young children. For this reason, it’s very important to understand the hidden dangers of button batteries and what you can do to safeguard your home to ensure your children and others are out of harm’s way.
How do button batteries injure children?
When button batteries come in contact with body fluids after accidental ingestion, the battery generates an electric current that can leak corrosive chemicals which can cause internal damage due to the buildup of sodium hydroxide. The chemicals can perforate parts of the digestive system, such as the esophagus. Since the esophagus is near major structures of the body – like your trachea, blood vessels and heart – the extension of damage can be even more serious, leading to permanent damage or even death. Even if the battery is old or flat, it can still produce enough electricity to cause burns inside your body. Batteries lodged in the nose and ear can cause extensive damage to the ear drum and other structures.
What are the signs and symptoms that I should be aware of?
When a child ingests a button battery, your child may be asymptompatic – meaning there may be no noticeable symptoms until the battery has caused internal damage. Symptoms to look out for include difficulty eating, coughing, choking, drooling, refusal to eat, noisy breathing, and chest or abdominal pain. It is important to seek medical care ASAP even if you have a suspicion your child swallowed a battery.
If my child ingested a button battery, what should I do?
What should parents do to prevent accidental battery ingestion?
Prevention and early recognition are crucial. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind:
Click here to learn more about the dangers of battery ingestion and for additional prevention tips to keep in mind. Click here to learn more about Texas Children’s Center for Childhood Injury Prevention.