100 Days of Safeguarding – Day 55 – Dangers of Button Batteries
Today’s safeguarding message is about the dangers of button batteries to children if swallowed – particularly relevant in the run-up to Christmas as they are common in children’s toys and other small electrical devices. If swallowed, as well as a choking risk, button batteries pose a greater risk to a child’s insides because saliva in the body will react with the battery and caustic soda will be produced which can burn the child’s throat, mouth and stomach. Across the country at least two children die every year from injuries caused by swallowing button batteries. Attached is a what-to-do poster for parents and carers and a safety guidance document published by the government.