Button batteries, those flat, round power sources that look like coins, are used in many children's toys. Along with a source of power, they also are proving to be a source of danger to young children. Recent research displays that emergency room visits that are button battery-related have doubled in the past 20 years.

A study published in Pediatrics magazine (May 2012), graphically illustrates this problem. Pennsylvania children are exposed to this potentially dangerous product as are all young people in the U.S. The study, co-authored by the head of the Center for Injury Research and Policy for Nation Children's Hospital, located in Columbus, Ohio, displays that small children, gaining access to these batteries, often insert them into their mouths, noses and ears.

The most dangerous conditions occur when children decide to swallow the batteries. Beyond the obvious choking potential, button batteries may settle in the esophagus–sometimes, burning holes through it. Should this occur, these children face long-term, chronic breathing problems, infections or, in some cases, they bleed to death.

Button batteries are perfect for small electronics, toys, games, watches and calculators. The industry is trying to protect young children by making these batteries more difficult to remove, usually by adding a screw-down compartment instead of a simple, easy-to-open tab.

While children's product manufacturers meet these safety standards, there is no similar mandate for adult products. The study noted that battery-related injuries and emergency room visits for under-18 year olds more than doubled, from 2,591 in 1990 to 5,525 in 2009. The average age of little patients in the ER was 4-years-old.

To minimize this danger, parents should take extra care in monitoring their young children's activities and be sure to keep all adult products using button batteries safely out of reach of little inquiring hands. As lithium batteries become more popular for their increased power, the danger to young people also increases.

A parent suspecting that their child has swallowed a button battery should visit an emergency room immediately. Do you have any additional suggestions to keep young children out of harm's way?

Source: CBS News, "Button batteries blamed for uptick in emergency room visits, study finds," Ryan Jaslow, May 14, 2012