As with all birthdays and holidays, when presents start floating in, it’s important to know of any potential dangers that could arise and what to look out for.
This week, the CCPC is warning parents to be aware of the dangers of button batteries as they’re used in many toys for kids.
The risks are most serious for babies and young children who may swallow the button batteries.
They’re flat, circular, and are also known as coin, cell or watch batteries, and they’re usually around the size of a €1 or 20c coin - but they can range as small as 5mm in diameter.
Because of their compact size, they are a choking hazard and are also incredibly dangerous if they’re swallowed by accident.
They can react with saliva and can burn through a child’s throat, stomach and intestines - this can cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
Speaking about the dangers, Gráinne Griffin, Director of Communications at the CCPC said:
“Button batteries power lots of household items like weighing scales, hearing aids, lights, and even musical greeting cards. They can often be found in Christmas decorations or children’s toys.
“If a child swallows a button battery it can be extremely dangerous, causing serious and even life-threatening injuries.
“Ahead of Christmas, check any children’s toys, making sure the button batteries are in secure compartments. Batteries in household items like decorations and remote controls can be very easy to access, so keep these well away from small children. Spare button batteries should be kept out of reach, and make sure to dispose carefully of any used ones.
“If you suspect that a child might have swallowed a button battery, go straight to A&E.”
You can read more in depth information, provided by the CCPC here.
