Tasmanians reminded about the dangers of button batteries this Christmas

Tasmanian parents and carers of young children are reminded to be alert to the dangers of button batteries this festive season.

Button batteries are used in common household and consumer products, including remote controls, watches, computers, cameras and calculators. Many children’s toys are also powered by button batteries, such as cars, games, plush toys, flameless candles and musical cards. 

Button batteries can cause serious injury, especially for young children who are more likely to place small objects in their mouth, nose or ears. 

Acting Director of Public Health, Dr Scott McKeown, said that if swallowed, button batteries can lodge in a child’s throat and lead to very serious health outcomes, including death. Insertion of button batteries into body parts such as the ears or nose can lead to serious injuries.

“I’m urging Tasmanian parents and guardians to keep young children safe this Christmas and avoid products that include button batteries,” said Dr McKeown. 

“Identify any products that contain button batteries in your home, secure the battery compartment, and keep well out of reach of children. Choose products that use regular larger batteries or a different power source.”

“The best thing to do with old button batteries is to wrap them in clear sticky tape, store them in a glass jar out of reach of children, and take them to a battery recycling point.”

An estimated 20 children a week across Australia present to a hospital emergency department suspected of having ingested or inserted a button battery, and around one child a month has a severe injury as a result¹. 

If you know or suspect that a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, or if your child is having difficulty breathing, call an ambulance (000) or go to your nearest hospital Emergency Department immediately. Prompt action is critical, do not wait for your child to develop symptoms. 

Children are often unable to let you know that they have swallowed or inserted a button battery.  

A child who has swallowed a button battery may develop symptoms including drooling or problems swallowing, stomach or chest pain, coughing or noisy breathing, vomiting blood, passing dark or bloody stools, nose bleeds, or bloody discharge from the ear or nose.

1. KidSafe, Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia, available at: www.kidsafe.com.au/button-batteries