Incidents of American children ending up in the emergency room due to battery-related injuries more than doubled in the most recent decade, according to a published report Monday in the journal Pediatrics by a team of researchers from Safe children around the world and the National Children’s Hospital. Battery-related injuries refer specifically to children who put batteries in their mouths, noses, and ears.
The majority (85%) of the injuries were caused by small button cells and lithium-ion batteries that are common in many US homes to power electronic devices such as TV remotes, clocks, toys, small appliances, flashlights, thermometers and more. These batteries are very small and often easy to remove from devices, posing a risk to babies and young children.
Researchers analyzed data from 2010 to 2019 and found that every 75 minutes, children 18 and younger in the US go to emergency departments due to a battery-related injury. It also found that the majority of cases (84%) involved children 5 years old or younger.
The data indicates that injuries are also increasing in severity, not just in frequency: 12% of battery-related injuries resulted in immediate need for hospitalization, which increased 7% between 1990 and 2009.
“Unfortunately, previous prevention efforts have yet to significantly reduce injury rates,” said Mark Chandler, lead author of the study and senior research associate at Safe Kids Worldwide. “Both regulatory efforts and increased public awareness of the dangers are needed. Until safe battery compartment designs are widely adopted by the industry, and ultimately safer coin-cell battery technology, these injuries to children will continue.” “.
The study found that 90% of battery-related emergency room visits involved ingested batteries (up from 77% between 1990 and 2009). According to Safe Kids Worldwide, swallowed batteries can potentially burn a child’s esophagus, causing serious injury or death.
Safe Kids Worldwide and safety advocates have led public information campaigns warning parents about the dangers of batteries and have shared tips to help reduce battery-related injuries, including keeping batteries in closed containers and keeping button cell battery controlled devices out of sight and reach of others. kids.
Earlier this month, President Biden signed into law a bill, known as Reese’s Law, which aims to strengthen safety standards for products that require button batteries. This law requires products to carry a warning label detailing the risks of batteries and recommending that batteries be kept out of the reach of children. The law was named in honor of Reese Hamsmith, an 18-month-old girl who died in December 2020 after swallowing a button cell battery from a remote control.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health care provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health goals.
