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By Erika Rolling

Health

AHS warning public on danger of button batteries

Dec 15, 2022 | 10:40 AM

With Christmas just 10 days away, Alberta Health Services are reminding parents about the dangers of button batteries, especially to children if swallowed.

Found commonly in many electronic items such as toys, watches, cameras, and calculators just to name a few, button batteries are often mistaken by young children as food or candy because of their small, round size.

If swallowed, button batteries can cause chemical burns and destroy the upper digestive tract tissue. In severe cases, it can also lead to death.

AHS adds damage from swallowing them can be rapid, especially if it gets stuck in the esophagus instead of moving into the stomach.

From January to October of this year, AHS reported 155 cases across the province of children being injured by swallowing button batteries, including 18 cases in the North Zone alone.

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They say if you suspect your child has swallowed a button battery, you should take them immediately to the nearest emergency department, and never make them try to vomit.