Button Batteries
| If you suspect that a child might have swallowed a button battery, please go straight to A&E. |
What are button batteries?
Button batteries are small, flat, circular batteries that resemble a coin or a button. They are typically the size of a €1 or 20c coin but can be as small as 5mm in diameter.
They are commonly used in products like watches, calculators, hearing aids, remote controls and children’s toys.
Why are they dangerous?
Button batteries are extremely dangerous and can cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
As well as being a choking hazard, the battery can react with saliva and burn through the throat, stomach and intestines, which could cause severe injuries or even death.
This chemical reaction can happen in as little as two hours.
How can I keep my child safe?
- Keep button batteries out of reach of children
- Check your child’s toys to make sure any button batteries are in securely fastened compartments
- Batteries in household items like decorations and remote controls can be easier to access, so keep these items away from small children
- Make sure all spare and used button batteries are also kept out of reach of children
- Only buy toys from reputable businesses. This reduces the chances of the toys being unsafe
- If your child swallows a button battery, or if you think your child has swallowed a button battery, go to A&E immediately
The CCPC’s role is to ensure that consumers are not put at risk by products that do not comply with product safety standards. The CCPC has recalled many toys such as toy trucks, light-up headbands, and children’s torches for not complying with these standards. Often, this was due to a button battery risk.
The HSE also provides information on button batteries, their risks and what to do if your child swallows one.
| If you suspect a product, such as a toy, is unsafe, and the button batteries are easily accessible, stop using it immediately and let us know through our website or by calling our helpline on 01-402-5555. |
