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Button Battery Safety

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, more than 2,800 kids a year are treated in American emergency rooms after swallowing button batteries. If you think your child has ingested a button battery or lodged one inside his or her nose or ear – go to your nearest emergency center immediately! Button batteries can cause serious harm in as little as two hours.

Button Battery Safety

Button batteries are small, nickel sized lithium batteries that power everything from television remotes to garage door openers, hearing aids, greeting cards, toys and more. 

Because they are so small, it is not obvious that a child has swallowed one (or put it in their ear or nose).

What Happens When My Child Swallows a Lithium Button Battery?

Many swallowed lithium button batteries pass through the child's body without any problem. Other times, the battery can get stuck in the throat or esophagus — this is where problems arise. Once stuck (or if lodged in the ear or nose), a chemical reaction takes place causing the surrounding tissue to burn. All of this can happen in as little as two hours. Simply put, the battery burns through the body causing serious damage and even death.

How Can I Keep My Child Safe?

  • Keep items that use button batteries put away and out of reach.
  • Keep loose batteries locked away.
  • Watch over your child closely while he or she is playing with a toy that includes these batteries. Children are naturally curious — it doesn't take too long for them to find the battery compartment!

Are There Any Signs I Should Be Aware Of?

The following symptoms can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. If there is any doubt that your child has ingested a button battery – go to the nearest emergency center immediately!
  • Fever
  • Drooling or difficulty swallowing
  • Decreased desire to eat or drink
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Fever or pain, swelling or fluid coming from the ear or nose (if battery lodged in child's ear or nose)

I Think My Child Swallowed a Button Battery – Now What!?

  • DO go to your nearest emergency center immediately!
  1. If you are in the Tulsa area, the Pediatric Emergency Center at Saint Francis Children's Hospital is prepared to take on such cases.
  2. If outside of the Tulsa area, go to your local emergency department. They can assess and treat your child's condition or send them to Saint Francis Children's Hospital if needed.
  • DO NOT induce vomiting.
  • DO NOT give your child anything to eat or drink.

Learn More About Lithium Button Battery Hazards and Safety

Safe Kids Worldwide strives to share life-saving information with parents and caregivers about the potential risks of swallowing coin lithium batteries. To learn more, follow the links below.

Health and Wellness Tips from Saint Francis Children's Hospital

Saint Francis Children's Hospital is dedicated to helping keep area children safe and healthy. To learn more about common hazards, immunization schedules, bike and car safety and general wellness tips for children, please review the links below.