PARENTS shopping for Easter gifts have been warned to lookout for items that contain a component that could be potentially fatal to young children.
Small, coin-sized batteries are found in many household items and toys – including gifts and decorations – and pose a potentially fatal risk to children if swallowed.
The batteries are particularly dangerous to children under five, due to their narrower oesophagus and tendency to place small objects into their mouths, ears and noses.
In addition to the risk of choking, when the batteries mix with saliva, they can produce a chemical reaction that can lead to serious burns to a child’s oesophagus and internal organs.
As the button batteries can be found in many toys and household goods, including Easter-themed decorations and items, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said this reminder was particularly timely.
“The safety of children is paramount and while button batteries are small, they can cause significant harm if swallowed,”; Frecklington said.
“Every parent knows how inquisitive kids can be and that’s why we need to be so careful, including with the gifts we buy, because a tragedy can happen incredibly quickly.”;
About 20 children go to hospital every week across Australia with suspected button battery ingestion, according to reports from the Office of Fair Trading.
“The Office of Fair Trading undertakes rigorous inspections, enforcement actions and education, to help protect consumers from potential hazards and to ensure that retailers adhere to mandatory standards,”; Frecklington said.
“But I also urge families to know what to look out for, so we can all work together to help keep children safe.”;
Parents are advised to avoid purchasing products that require button batteries, or to make sure the battery compartment is child resistant.
Parents are also advised to store the batteries out of reach of children and to safely dispose of used batteries immediately by putting sticky tape around both sides and putting them in a child resistant container.
As children are often unable to let parents know if they have swallowed or inserted a button battery, symptoms to be aware of include gagging or choking, drooling, chest pain, bleeding from the gut and unexplained fever.
First aiders from Tiny Hearts Education Instagram have shared a tip which could help slow down the chemical burn and reduce potential damage.
“The research shows honey can make a significant difference on the damage caused, it can buy time to get a child into surgery and minimise the long-term harm,” the first aiders explained in a video.
If you suspect your child has swallowed a battery, the experts suggest giving them 10ml of honey every ten minutes.
The NHS notes that “occasionally, honey contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby's intestines, leading to infant botulism, which is a very serious illness.
“Do not give your child honey until they're over one year old.”
This article was originally published in News.com.au and has been republished here with permission
