Researchers at the University of Galway have called for increased awareness about the dangers posed to children who inadvertently ingest button-sized batteries.
They have carried out a survey, examining public understanding of both the dangers that the commonly used items can have, and the measures that can be taken to delay the corrosive damage they can cause.
If swallowed, larger batteries, of around 2cm in diameter, can lodge in a child’s upper oesophagus.
Within minutes of ingestion, the negative pole starts generating an electrical current, causing caustic injury to the lining of the swallow passage. Without urgent intervention, the batteries can erode through the oesophagus into the aorta, leading to catastrophic bleeding and death.
The research, led by Professor Ivan Keogh of the University’s School of Medicine, surveyed 561 people, to assess knowledge of this risk.
Almost two thirds of respondents had not considered the possible dangers of the batteries, which are found in many household items.
The study also found that almost 90% of those questioned did not know that a spoonful of honey can help delay the damage caused by ingestion.
This is because its acidity counteracts the alkalinity created at the negative pole of the battery, while its viscosity allows the honey to coat the battery, acting as a physical barrier.
'Devastating, long-term and sometimes fatal consequences'
Prof Keogh said a number of children were admitted to hospital each year in Ireland for treatment after swallowing such items.
He said it can lead to "devastating, long-term, and sometimes fatal consequences."
Removal of a swallowed button battery is described as a "time critical emergency." Safe removal involves urgent endoscopy under general anaesthetic.
While some manufacturers are investing in research to develop safer button battery technologies, the study says significant risks to children remain.
Prof Keogh, who is also a consultant head and neck surgeon at University Hospital Galway, has called for changes to the design and marketing of button batteries, to reduce risk and raise awareness in future.
The study says alterations to button battery design have been suggested, such as pressure-activated button battery coatings that are only active inside the housing of the device being powered. However, researchers say "such measures would require radical and costly shifts in the manufacturing process."
