Do you know what a "button battery" is? Or how dangerous it can be if swallowed? It's aptly named--a small round battery the size of a button and is found in hundreds of children's toys, our remote controls and in those singing cards. You might think that because it's so small, it might not be a problem if a child swallows it--that it might just pass through. Tragically sixteen children have died from ingesting these batteries, according to the
National Capital Poison Center. If the battery becomes lodged in the child's esophagus, it can cause serious injuries in as little as 2 hours.
Children are very curious and often are able to take these batteries out of toys, greeting cards and remotes so tighten all the screws on the battery covers of their toys, put the remote out of reach and be sure to monitor children with the greeting cards. For more information and safety tips on button batteries, go to
www.cpsc.gov.
