Many parents + carers are not aware of this – car keys contain button batteries. We were shocked at how accessible the button battery was in this particular key – many do not require tools or equipment to get to, just your own nail.
Button batteries can be deadly.
Every single day in Australia, there is at least one child who needs to go to hospital because of button battery ingestion. From NSW Poisons Information Centre;
“Swallowing or inserting any button battery, old or new, can cause life threatening injuries and even death. A swallowed battery that becomes stuck in the oesophagus (food pipe) is particularly dangerous. Batteries which become stuck in the nose, ears or under an eyelid can also cause local burns.
When swallowed, the left over electrical current in a button battery reacts with moisture to produce a strong alkali chemical. The chemical can cause serious internal burns and bleeding. The batteries can also leak chemicals which can cause serious burns. The coin shaped batteries are easily caught in the oesophagus, and when stuck start to cause damage immediately and can erode through the oesophagus wall very quickly (within 2 hours).
If you know or even suspect that your child has swallowed a button battery you must act immediately.
If your child is having any difficulty breathing, call 000 immediately.
If your child is not having difficulty breathing, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre 13 11 26.
You will be directed by Poisons staff to an Emergency Department that is best able to treat your child.
Do not try to make your child vomit.
Do not let your child eat or drink while awaiting medical advice.”
Make sure children can not access these types of car keys, and know what to do if you suspect your little one has ingested a button battery. More on that (including the advice regarding administering honey, here.)
Reference – NSW Poisons Information Centre button battery fact sheet.
