Penny-shaped batteries are the primary source of energy in many small devices. Their flat, button-shape makes them perfect for wearables. But there’s just one catch. They may look like harmless boiled sweets, but when kids swallow lithium button batteries the consequences can be life threatening.
A Important Warning about Lithium Button Batteries
The lithium penny battery industry is doing what it can to prevent these incidents. However, the safety covers must be off for the batteries to work. Therefore if kids remove those covers, the lithium button batteries are live and ready to deliver their electric current.
A child’s saliva opens a circuit between the battery terminals when they swallow a lithium battery after sucking it as a sweet. This causes a chemical reaction that can burn their alimentary canal. This is a muscular tube lined with mucous membrane joining the throat to the stomach. It is unfortunately also an excellent electricity conductor. A child may be initially unaware of the burning, or remain quiet to stay out of trouble.
Therefore, It’s Essential to Manage Penny Batteries Carefully
Surgical repairs to internal burns by lithium button batteries can be intensive. Moreover, side effects may linger affecting the windpipe and vocal chords. A serious risk therefore calls for serious attention according to Rome News-Tribune. Begin by identifying all the gadgets in your home containing lithium penny batteries with button shapes.
List these devices and establish ways to keep them out of reach of small children too young to understand the risks. Apply the same discipline to new and spent batteries. A ‘flat’ lithium button battery still contains enough energy to burn young, sensitive tissue. Get an affected kid to hospital immediately. Don’t induce vomiting or have your child eat or drink anything.
Call the button battery task force of the American Society of Pediatrics at 800-498-8666 to share any concerns you may have, no matter how slight. Time may matter if your concerns are correct.
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