You can help children stay safe from button batteries by helping Island Health with a survey.
Island Health and the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit announced the survey earlier today, which aims to better understand people’s knowledge of button battery safety.
The batteries are used for products like toothbrushes, watches, and alarm clocks, and are so small they are commonly ingested through the mouth and swallowed, or can be inserted to your nose, ears, or other body parts.
Island Health says if swallowed or inserted, the battery could cause permanent damage and life-threatening chemical burns within 2 hours, even if it’s dead.
“Data from the last nine years shows an average 20 people a year are treated at Island Health emergency departments for button battery injuries,” said Island Health.
“Most of the patients are under four years old and need urgent or rapid medical care.”
To prevent poisoning, you are encouraged to consider lowering the number of products you bring that use the batteries, make sure that only a screwdriver can give access to the battery, and keep the batteries locked away from children.
The health organization says once the survey is finished, results will be used to inform groups, guide public awareness, and advocate for safer products and stronger regulations for packaging these batteries.
Survey is open until March 31, and can be found here.
