Parents: Be cautious about toys or gadgets with button batteries

AMA (NSW) is urging parents to be alert when buying or receiving gifts for kids operated by lithium ‘button’ batteries this holiday season, as swallowing these objects can cause serious injury or death.

“Cute toys and fun gadgets are a big part of Christmas for many kids, but these presents can pose a hidden danger to kids if they require lithium batteries,” said AMA (NSW) President, Dr Michael Bonning.

If swallowed, button batteries can cause serious injuries in as little as two hours as the saliva immediately triggers an electric current causing a chemical reaction that can cause severe burns to the oesophagus and internal organs such as vital arteries, lungs, heart, larynx, and spine.

“Small, shiny button batteries can be attractive, especially to small children. Children aged from 0 to 5-years old are at most risk due to their tendency to put small objects in their mouths, ears, and noses,” Dr Bonning said.

Button batteries are found in several common household items such as toys, remote controls, watches, digital kitchen scales, and thermometers.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) reports that three children have died and 44 have been severely injured from incidents involving button batteries in Australia. The ACCC introduced new standards in June this year, making it mandatory for all consumer goods that contain button batteries to have secure compartments. In addition, button batteries suppliers much use child-resistant packaging and include safety warnings. Breaches to the standards can result in fines up to $10m.

“There are still concerns around used or spent button batteries. While they may not be powerful enough to power the products, there could still be enough charge to cause damage if swallowed,” Dr Bonning said. “If you have a used battery, the advice is to sticky tape both sides of it and dispose of safely.”

If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, symptoms to watch for include noisy breathing or wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest pains, problems swallowing or drooling, decreased appetite, coughing, vomiting blood, and very dark bowel movements.

“If your child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, immediate action is required. Call 000 and get them to a hospital quickly for medical treatment,” Dr Bonning said.

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