Button batteries

Follow these safety tips from CPSC.

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There are immediate and deadly consequences when a child swallows a battery. Button or coin cell batteries are found in a variety of products, including: 

    •    Calculators
    •    Digital scales
    •    Digital thermometers
    •    Flashing jewelry and shoes
    •    Hearing aids
    •    Keyless entry remotes
    •    Musical greeting cards
    •    Remote controls
    •    Smart home devices
    •    Toys
    •    Watches
    •    Wireless game controls

Despite their size, button and coin cell batteries can still be a hazard. Remember these safety pointers from the CPSC:

Check your screw closures

    •    Do not allow children access to remotes, electronics, or products with button or coin cell batteries if their battery compartments do not have a screw closure
    •    If you detect damage in the battery compartment that holds button or coin cell batteries, replace, repair, or dispose of the product as soon as possible
    •    Double check the battery compartments of toys in your home. Make sure that toys with button or coin cell batteries have a secure closure that requires a screwdriver, coin, or tool to open.
    •    Do not allow your children access to button or coin cell batteries

Secure loose button cell or coin batteries as soon as possible

    •    Use non-conductive tape over the battery terminals or wrap it around the entire battery when a discharged cell is removed from a product. Make sure to dispose of it at a battery collection center.

Never ingest button cell or coin batteries

    •    Never put button or coin cell batteries in the mouth, as they’re easy to swallow accidentally
    •    Adults have mistaken button batteries for pills or tablets. Do a visual double check before taking your medications.
    •    If you or your child may have swallowed a button battery, call 911 immediately and call either the National Battery Ingestion Hotline at 1-800-498-8666 or the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 for treatment information
 

For more information, please visit the CPSC Button Cell and Coin Batteries Safety Education Center.

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