The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched its Tiny Batteries, Big Danger safety campaign, highlighting that on average one child a month is seriously injured after swallowing or inserting a button battery.
Deputy Chair of the ACCC, Delia Rickard said button batteries were flat and round with diameters up to 32mm and heights ranging from one to 11mm.
“They are found in a surprising number of common household items such as toys, remote controls, watches, digital kitchen scales, thermometers and hearing aids,” Ms Rickard said.
“Button batteries can be incredibly dangerous, especially for children five years of age and under.
She said that if swallowed, a button battery could get stuck in a child’s throat and cause a chemical reaction that burnt through tissue, causing death or serious injury.
“They are tiny, shiny and similar in size to some lollies, making them very attractive to young children,” Ms Rickard said.
“The ACCC is currently finalising regulatory options to address the dangers of button batteries before making a final recommendation to Assistant Treasurer, Michael Sukkar later this year.”
She said the ACCC was also concerned about reports wristbands containing two lithium button batteries were offered to the crowd of 30,000 at the Gabba during the AFL Grand Final last Saturday (24 October).
“There are early reports the button batteries are not properly secured. These reports demonstrate the ease with which children can access these dangerous batteries,” Ms Rickard said.
“The ACCC is currently investigating these reports and advises anyone who received these wristbands to immediately dispose of them, without exposing the batteries. If the mandatory proposed standard being proposed by the ACCC becomes law, supply of these types of products would be an offence,” she said.
