The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently issued a warning that as
the number of coin-sized batteries used increases, so do the number of
injuries and deaths. Seniors and toddlers are most at risk of accidentally
swallowing the button batteries. CPSC is asking battery manufacturers
and the electronics industry to develop industry standards and warnings
to address safety concerns. Our products liability lawyers would like
to remind you that failure to find a way to remove/remedy/warn about a
safety hazard can be grounds for a lawsuit if injuries result.
According to a recent button-battery linked deaths and injuries have gone
up seven-fold since 1985. In most incidents, the culprit is 3 volt batteries
that are at least 20 mm in diameter. Dr. Toby Litovitz of the National
Capital Poison Center conducted the study.
The disc-sized batteries become dangerous when swallowed. If they don’t
get stuck in the throat, they may make their way all the way down to the
intestine. Bodily fluids can cause the battery to release an electrical
discharge that can cause chemical burns. Other injuries have included
damage to the esophagus and the appearance of a whole between the trachea
and esophagus.
Button batteries are used in thousands of products found in the home and
are easy to for kids to access in toys, remote controls, games, and other
products and appliances. CPSC says parents often don’t realize that
their toddler has swallowed a button battery, thinking that he/she just
has a stomach ache, cough, sore throat, or fever. Over 60% of cases are
initially diagnosed. Last year, theArchives of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery published the work of Stanley J. Kimball of
Mount Carmel Health System. In his study of 10 pediatric patients who accidentally swallowed a button
battery between 1998 and 2008, he found that treatment usually occurred
anywhere between 6 hours to 30 days of the baby swallowing the battery.
CPSC Warns: As Button Battery Use Increases, So Do Battery-Related Injuries
and Deaths, CPSC, March 23, 2011
Swallowed “button” batteries cause severe injuries in babies, Baby Center, September 20, 2010
Archives of Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery
National Capital Poison Center
Our products liability law firm represents families throughout the US. Contact Gilbert and Ollanik, PC today.
