Ask the Expert: Dr. Aron Zuidhof on button battery safety

Dr. Zuidhof explains, “Button batteries are small, flat, round batteries that power many everyday devices. You can find them in items like watches, weight scales, small remotes and bike computers. They are most dangerous when they are loose and accessible to children, as they are shiny and resemble small coins, making them appealing to curious little ones.”

“When a child swallows a button battery, the tissues in their esophagus can activate the battery’s electrical current,” Dr. Zuidhof says. “This current can cause severe damage to the fragile tissue in the throat, leading to chemical burns, bleeding, or even more serious internal damage. The danger is that these injuries can occur quickly and without immediate treatment, they can be life-threatening.”

Button batteries are extremely dangerous if swallowed. When they get stuck in a child’s throat, they can cause severe damage within hours. The battery can generate an electrical current that burns through the tissue, leading to chemical burns, internal bleeding, and potential organ damage. In some cases, this can be fatal if not treated quickly.

“Prevention is key,” says Dr. Zuidhof. “Button batteries should always be stored securely and out of reach of children. Keep devices that contain these batteries in childproof cabinets or high up on shelves. And remember, if a device is broken or if the battery compartment is loose, it’s best to dispose of the item to reduce the risk.”

Additional prevention tips:

• Secure battery compartments – Make sure that devices with button batteries have tight, secure compartments that children cannot easily open.
• Use caution with products that contain button batteries – Never leave these items unattended with young children, especially when they are damaged or have loose batteries.

“If you suspect that your child has swallowed a button battery, this is a medical emergency, and you should call 911 immediately,” Dr. Zuidhof advises. “Symptoms can vary. In some cases, there may be no immediate symptoms, but they can become lethargic or show signs of distress like drooling, trouble swallowing, or vomiting. Any unusual behavior should be considered a red flag.”

If you suspect that your child has swallowed a button battery, treat it as a medical emergency. Here’s what to do:

• Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
• Do not induce vomiting. This can make the situation worse by pushing the battery further down the throat.
• Do not let your child eat or drink anything except honey or jam (which will be addressed later in this article) until they receive medical attention.
• Take note of the time. The sooner medical professionals can treat the child, the better the outcome.
   

“The critical time window is within two hours of ingestion,” Dr. Zuidhof says. “Damage can begin quickly, which is why it’s so important to seek medical help immediately. The sooner a child receives treatment, the better their chances for recovery.”

Dr. Zuidhof reassures, “Yes, giving your child small teaspoons of honey can help slow the rate of damage while you’re arranging emergency care. Honey acts as a temporary barrier to help protect the esophagus. In kids under one year of age, where honey may be associated with botulism, jam can be used as an alternative. However, it’s important to know that honey or jam should only be given while preparing to seek immediate medical treatment.”

“Though less common, putting a button battery in a child’s ear or nose is still an emergency situation,” Dr. Zuidhof warns. “In these cases, the battery needs to be removed by a medical professional to avoid potential damage to the ear canal or nasal passages.”

“Children who are mobile—those who are crawling, cruising, or walking—are the most at risk,” says Dr. Zuidhof. “At this stage, they’re curious and often explore the world by putting things in their mouths. It’s important to have ongoing safety conversations as children become more aware and understand the potential dangers.”

“Button batteries should never be thrown in the trash, as they can leak harmful chemicals into the environment,” Dr. Zuidhof advises. “Instead, check with local electronics stores—they often provide battery recycling services. Many areas also have designated collection points for hazardous waste where button batteries can be safely disposed of.”

“Absolutely,” Dr. Zuidhof says. “Here are some important safety tips:

• Never store button batteries near food, medicine or other household items that children might access.
• Always ensure that battery compartments are securely closed.
• Regularly check devices that contain button batteries to make sure they are still intact.
• Be aware of where you’re using button battery-powered devices and keep them away from children when not in use.”