Factsheet: Button batteries
Download in PDF format
(505 KB, 1 pages)
Organization: Health Canada
Date published: 2024
Cat.: H129-161/2-2024E-PDF
ISBN: 978-0-660-73237-4
Pub.: 240488
Watch out for these hidden dangers in your home!
Each year in Canada, hundreds of children face serious harm from swallowing button batteries. Toddlers are most at risk.
A swallowed button battery can cause severe internal chemical burns in as little as 2 hours. This can lead to serious injuries or even death. Even used batteries are dangerous.
Button batteries are commonly found in:
- toys
- watches
- flashlights
- hearing aids
- remote controls
Follow these 5 safety tips to prevent button battery injuries:
- Be aware of all household items that use button batteries.
- Regularly check devices to ensure children cannot access the batteries.
- Always supervise children when they use products containing button batteries.
- Buy toys and devices with battery compartments that screw shut or those that do not use button batteries.
- Dispose of used button batteries quickly and properly.
If you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, take your child to the nearest emergency department immediately. Giving honey to a child on the way to the hospital can reduce the risk of serious injury.
Learn more: canada.ca/batterysafety