14/12/2021
Keep button batteries out of children’s reach.
Why? When a child accidentally swallows a button battery, the saliva triggers an electrical current that causes a chemical reaction that can severely burn the esophagus in as little as 2 hours. Repairing the damage from battery ingestion often involves multiple surgeries.
We can prevent accidental battery ingestion. Here are some of the safety tips, most especially this Christmas when there are new decorations at home and new toys.
1. Search your home, especially those areas where your toddlers goes, for gadgets that may contain coin-sized lithium batteries.
2. Keep those coin lithium battery-controlled devices out of sight and out of reach of children. These include toys, musical greetings cards, watches, key fobs, flameless light candles, flashing Santa hats and other Christmas accessories.
3. Keep replacement batteries locked away. Place a piece of duct tape over loose controllers to secure the battery compartment.
If you suspect your child has ingested a battery, go to the hospital immediately.