Button batteries pose burn, poisoning threat, environmental group warns

Button batteries, the type used for compact electronic devices ranging from calculators to toys and small LED flashlights, potentially pose a serious health threat especially to children, a medical expert and an ecological group said last Tuesday.

Dr. Carissa Deoquino, head of the University of the Philippines National Poison Management and Control Center, warned children may tend to push such batteries into their nostrils, or swallow the batteries.

"Prolonged contact with the mucus membranes in the nose or in the stomach may cause burns or ulcers.  If the battery is 1.5 cm (or greater) in diameter, the battery can get lodged in some parts of the gastrointestinal tract of children less than six years of age and cause obstruction,” Deoquino said.

For its part, EcoWaste Coalition urged the public to report any case of poisoning and to obtain advice via the NPMCC’s 24-hour Poison Information Service at 5241078 or 5548400 local 2311.

EcoWaste noted the batteries contain acids and heavy metals, and can cause chemical burns and put a child’s life in danger.
 
It cited data from the UP National Poison Management and Control Center (NPMCC) showing button batteries are the third top poison agents in 2013 in terms of in-patient referrals for the pediatric age group.
 
“Products run by button batteries may pose a choking and chemical risk to young children who can have access to these small things, put them in the mouth and ingest them,” said coordinator Anthony Dizon.

The group also noted the batteries are used in children’s products such as talking books, flashing jewelry, hair accessories and shoes.

Such batteries are also used in hearing aids, musical greeting cards, remote controls, wrist watches and other portable electronic devices.

EcoWaste noted some mercury-containing batteries are targeted for phase out by 2020 under the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

The Philippines is one of the signatories to the convention.

Meanwhile, EcoWaste suggested ways to reduce risk of swallowing button batteries including: