An international initiative is being set up to inform consumers about the risks button batteries pose to young children. Button batteries are coin-sized batteries usually found in household products such as toys, calculators, watches, remote control devices and reading lights. Many of these products have battery compartments that can be easily opened by children, who run the risk of swallowing button batteries.

If swallowed, button batteries can cause significant permanent injuries or death. They can lodge in a child’s throat, where saliva immediately triggers an electrical current thus causing a chemical reaction that can severely burn through the oesophagus in as little as two hours. The severity of the burn can continue to worsen even after a battery has been removed. Treatment can involve multiple surgeries and a long recovery.

To mitigate this risk, children’s guardians should keep coin-sized button batteries out of sight and out of reach of children. Even flat batteries can still be dangerous. Furthermore, children’s guardians should always pay attention to warnings and labels describing the dangers of button batteries in various everyday products.

Although a number of products have button batteries, it’s mostly toys that have them. Toys should be monitored and parents should make sure that the battery compartment is well secured. All battery-operated toys should have a childproof battery compartment.

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority urges consumers to be aware of the risks associated with button batteries.

For more information or complaints regarding product safety, call the market surveillance directorate on 2395 2000 or visit www.mccaa.org.mt.