Button batteries are common items found in the home. Serious injury, even death, can occur as a result of swallowing these batteries.

Button batteries are found in small electronic devices. Your child can access these batteries from a variety of items including musical greeting cards, games/toys, calculators, watches, flashing jewelry and shoes. Because of what they look like and their size, children can mistake them for food or candy. Swallowed batteries can lead to choking or cause chemical burns in your child’s airway, in as little as 2 hours. A child may also experience injury if a battery is placed in their nose, ears or any other body opening.

Preventing your child or loved one from swallowing batteries is the best way to avoid serious injury.

For more information on what to do if your child swallows a button battery visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca.