The Health Island warns about serious risks from the batteries with buttons, launch Survey Survey

The island of Health asks parents and caregivers to be aware of the dangers that the batteries with buttons, especially young children and launched a survey to stimulate awareness and model future safety regulations.

The island of Health and BC the Research and Prevention of the injury (BCIRPU) created an Short online study To better understand the public awareness of the hazards of the battery with the button.

The survey coincides with the National Week to Prevent Poison, March 16-22.

The health authority says that the batteries with buttons, also known as disk, flat or coins batteries, can be found in everyday items, such as toothbrushes, watches, toys, bath scales, hearing aids and key phobes.

If swallowed or inserted into the body, even dead buttons can cause chemical burns that can endanger life within at least two hours.

“The batteries with buttons … can be found everywhere and are usually in gift, promotional or charity and toys in children’s bags,” said Neil Arason, a specialist in preventing injury to Health Island.

“Because the batteries with buttons are so small, they are most commonly ingested and swallowed, but can also be inserted into the nose, ears or other parts of the body.”

The island of Health says that, on average, 20 people a year have been treated in emergency departments throughout the region for battery lesions for the last nine years.

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Most were children under four years of age who required urgent medical care.

The online survey, which lasts less than five minutes until completion, is designed to evaluate public knowledge about these risks, says Island Health.

The answers will help model the provincial and national advocacy efforts for safety and will influence the product safety regulations.

Participants can enter to win a gift card at the end of the survey, which closes on March 31.

The island of Health recommends children’s caregivers to reduce the number of articles in their homes containing batteries with buttons and ensure that battery compartments are secured with tools such as screwdrivers.

New and used batteries should be kept out of reach of children, ideally, in a locked wardrobe.

Anyone suspecting a battery intoxication is advised to immediately sound 604-682-5050 or 1-800-567-8911. If the victim loses consciousness or has difficulty breathing, call 911.

More information and access to the survey can be found on BCIRPU Web site.

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