Factsheet: Button batteries

Watch out for these hidden dangers in your home!

Each year in Canada, hundreds of children face serious harm from swallowing button batteries. Toddlers are most at risk.

A swallowed button battery can cause severe internal chemical burns in as little as 2 hours. This can lead to serious injuries or even death. Even used batteries are dangerous.

Button batteries are commonly found in:

• toys
• watches
• flashlights
• hearing aids
• remote controls

Follow these 5 safety tips to prevent button battery injuries:

• Be aware of all household items that use button batteries.
• Regularly check devices to ensure children cannot access the batteries.
• Always supervise children when they use products containing button batteries.
• Buy toys and devices with battery compartments that screw shut or those that do not use button batteries.
• Dispose of used button batteries quickly and properly.

If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, take your child to the nearest emergency department immediately. Giving honey to a child on the way to the hospital can reduce the risk of serious injury.

Learn more: canada.ca/batterysafety