How to Keep Kids Safe from Accidental Lithium Coin Battery Ingestion

There are 7,000 battery ingestions in the U.S. each year

From the LifeMinute.TV Team

June 29, 2023

There is an incredible hidden hazard – as batteries get smaller, the dangers get bigger. Lithium coin batteries are sending kids to the ER in record numbers, yet many parents remain unaware of the dangers of accidental ingestion. Accidental ingestions of lithium coin batteries among young children are on the rise. In fact, there are 7,000 battery ingestions in the U.S. each year, according to the National Capital Poison Center.

Young children are curious by nature. Part of their exploration of the world around them can include putting things in their mouths. This can be especially dangerous with lithium coin batteries because a 20mm lithium coin battery is about the same diameter as a child's esophagus. If swallowed, the lithium coin battery can burn through the surrounding tissue in just 2 hours, causing serious harm.

Duracell is sounding the alarm. When it comes to lithium coin batteries, #BitterIsBetter. Duracell is the only battery brand to coat their Lithium Coin Batteries (2032, 2025 and 2016) with a non-toxic bitter coating that discourages kids from swallowing them in the first place.

Duracell has launched their national #BitterisBetter campaign, educating parents and caregivers on the potential dangers of lithium coin batteries while encouraging them to replace their lithium coin batteries with the safer option – Duracell Lithium Coin Batteries with Bitter Coating, the only batteries with this unique safety feature (2032, 2025 and 2016). As part of their campaign, Duracell will provide up to $1M of lithium coin batteries to ensure every home has access to the safest batteries available.

Take the #BitterisBetter pledge at Duracell.com/BitterisBetter and across social media to learn more about lithium coin battery safety and join parents across the country in pledging to replace the lithium coin batteries in their homes with the safest option for kids.

Other things you can do to keep your family safe are to find out which devices in the home contain lithium coin batteries and store them away from and out of reach of children. Examples of common devices include flameless LED tealight candles, key fobs, and thermometers. Inspect devices for any that don't have a screw on the battery compartment, and seal them with tape for an extra layer of protection. Remove expired batteries – and place them away safely and out of reach of children until you can recycle them properly. Lastly, team up with friends and family to spread this information. If you suspect your child has ingested a lithium coin battery, take them immediately to an emergency room. If you are unable to drive, call 911 for help.