Alberta Health Services (AHS) is cautioning parents to keep an eye on their kids’ use of button and small batteries.
AHS notes in the first 10 months of this year, more than 40 injuries in children related to button and similar small batteries were reported by emergency departments across the province.
Button batteries are used to power many items such as games, watches, hearing aids, cameras, calculators, flashing shoes, and musical cards. AHS adds because of the round shape and small size, children can mistake button batteries for food or candy.
A swallowed button battery can cause chemical burns, destroy the tissue in the upper digestive tract, and may even cause death.
If you think someone has swallowed a button battery, do not induce vomiting. Take the individual to the nearest emergency department immediately, advises AHS.
