The Principal Commissioner of the Queensland Family and Child Commission has issued a reminder to people buying Christmas gifts for children to be careful they don’t buy presents that might pose a threat to small children.
The Commissioner, Cheryl Vardon said that while Christmas gifts of all sorts would find their way into homes, many people were not aware of how many items can be dangerous for children.
She said for example that families needed to be aware that small powerful magnets and button batteries can be swallowed or inserted, resulting in catastrophic injuries and even death.
“Be aware and be vigilant,” Ms Varddon said. “That is my message.”
“More and more small electronics and gadgets are being powered by button batteries or contain magnets and can be easily accessed by curious children and pose a serious threat to their health.”
She said Christmas was a time to relax and enjoy with loved ones but with more than one child a month sustaining severe injury due to swallowing or inserting button batteries and a recent rise in the number of magnet related injuries: “we don’t want avoidable tragedy to strike.”
Emergency Paediatrician, Ruth Barker warned that button batteries were a hazard throughout their lifecycle.
“Even spent button batteries can cause severe injury if swallowed,” Dr Barker said.
“Button batteries are effectively landmines in our lounge rooms. A 3-volt lithium button battery has a 10-year shelf life and can be ingested by an inquisitive child years after it entered the home,” she said.
“Parents think that they would know if their child has ingested a button battery, but the symptoms are very mild and non-specific. These kids look incredibly well until it is too late,” Dr Barker said.
Queensland Health has developed tips to follow to keep kids safe:
* Avoid using button battery powered products where there are alternatives.
* If you must use a product powered by a button battery only buy/distribute durable products that have a child-resistant locking mechanism for the battery compartment.
* Keep button battery operated products out of reach of young children unless you are supervising use.
* Regularly check products to ensure the battery compartment is still child resistant and the battery is not missing.
* Dispose of used button batteries by covering both sides with sticky tape and either storing them in a child resistant container for recycling or disposing of them in the bin.
* Make others aware of the dangers. Spreading awareness will help everyone understand the danger of button batteries.
If you think a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery or magnet, if he or she is having difficulty breathing, call 000 immediately otherwise contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for 24/7 fast expert advice.
