Parents and caregivers have been issued a warning about the dangers of button batteries this Christmas.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has highlighted the serious risk the small batteries pose to babies and children.
Button batteries are flat and circular and typically the size of a €1 or 20c coin, but can be as small as 5mm in diameter.
The CCPC say they are a choking hazard, while also extremely dangerous if swallowed as the battery can react with saliva and can burn through a child's throat, stomach and intestines.
This can cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries.
The CCPC are asking people to be extremely vigilant about button batteries in toys, decorations and common household objects this Christmas.
Gráinne Griffin, Director of Communications at the CCPC, said: "Button batteries power lots of household items like weighing scales, hearing aids, lights, and even musical greeting cards. They can often be found in Christmas decorations or children’s toys.
"If a child swallows a button battery it can be extremely dangerous, causing serious and even life-threatening injuries.
"Ahead of Christmas, check any children’s toys, making sure the button batteries are in secure compartments. Batteries in household items like decorations and remote controls can be very easy to access, so keep these well away from small children.
"Spare button batteries should be kept out of reach, and make sure to dispose carefully of any used ones.
"If you suspect that a child might have swallowed a button battery, go straight to A&E."
How to stay safe this Christmas:
- Keep button batteries away from children
- Make sure button batteries in toys are behind a securely fastened compartment - children should never be able to access them
- Only buy toys from reputable businesses as this reduces the chances of the toys being unsafe
- If you think a toy is unsafe or the button batteries are easily accessible to children, please stop using it and contact the CCPC
