As the festive season draws to a close the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has warned of the potential dangers of button batteries used in toys and gadgets. 

Button batteries also known as LR44 batteries or coin batteries, resemble small metallic buttons and are used in everything from car keys to animatronic dolls. 

Why are they dangerous? 

The batteries pose a serious health risk to young children because they are easily swallowable and release a caustic soda when in contact with saliva. 

This substance is extremely corrosive and can cause severe burns or catastrophic internal bleeding, affecting a variety of organs from the oesophagus to the heart. 

Children are at particular risk because they have smaller digestive systems which increase the chances of the battery becoming lodged. 

Though safety measures are in place in children's toys, such as a mandated secure compartment to contain the batteries, according to RoSPA, other items such as remote controls or watches, do not. 

Watch the video below to see what swallowing a button battery can do to the body: 

How big is the risk? 

According to the Child Accident Prevention Trust, at least two children die a year because of swallowing button batteries. 

They add that surgeons at Great Ormond Street are seeing, on average, one child a month with burns caused by the batteries. 

Phillip LeShirley, Product Safety Advisor at RoSPA, underscored the gravity of the situation, saying: 

"The dangers posed by button batteries should not be underestimated…we are advising parents to be mindful that it is not just toys that contain button batteries, and to be extra vigilant." 

How do I keep my child safe? 

• · Verify the security and integrity of battery compartments in toys, and do not buy toys that lack such safety measures. When replacing batteries, exercise caution to ensure the compartment is securely locked afterward and dispose of old batteries responsibly. 
• · Exercise heightened vigilance, especially with items like musical greeting cards, flameless candles, remote controls, and electronic devices, as these commonly lack lockable compartments. RoSPA strongly recommends restricting children's access to these products if the battery compartment is not securely sealed. 
• · Take proactive measures by securely locking away spare batteries and disposing of used batteries appropriately, as they still pose a risk of injury. After replacement, store batteries in a secure, out-of-reach location and prioritize their prompt recycling. 

How do I know if my child has swallowed a battery? 

• · Vomiting fresh, bright red blood. If your child does that, you absolutely have to get them immediate medical help. 
• · Sudden development of a cough, gagging, or excessive drooling. 
• · Displaying symptoms resembling a stomach upset or viral infection. 
• · Pointing to their throat or stomach. 
• · Experiencing pain in their tummy, chest, or throat. 
• · Fatigue or lethargy. 
• · Unusual quietness or increased clinginess, appearing "not themselves." 
• · Loss of appetite or a reduced desire to eat. 
• · Reluctance or inability to consume solid food. 

What do I do if my child has swallowed a battery? 

RoSPA advises parents and caregivers to seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 if there is suspicion that a child has ingested a button battery.