CCPC flags dangers of button batteries ahead of Christmas

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of button batteries.  

Risk to babies and children 

Flat, circular, button batteries, also known as coin, cell or watch batteries, are typically the size of a €1 or 20c coin but can be as small as 5mm in diameter. They  are a choking hazard and are also extremely dangerous if swallowed, as the battery can react with saliva and can burn through a child’s throat, stomach and intestines. This can cause severe and sometimes fatal injuries. 

The CCPC is warning all consumers to be extremely vigilant about button batteries in toys, decorations and common household objects this Christmas. 
 

Gráinne Griffin, Director of Communications at the CCPC said: 

“Button batteries power lots of household items like weighing scales, hearing aids, lights, and even musical greeting cards. They can often be found in Christmas decorations or children’s toys.  

“If a child swallows a button battery it can be extremely dangerous, causing serious and even life-threatening injuries.  

“Ahead of Christmas, check any children’s toys, making sure the button batteries are in secure compartments. Batteries in household items like decorations and remote controls can be very easy to access, so keep these well away from small children. Spare button batteries should be kept out of reach, and make sure to dispose carefully of any used ones.  

If you suspect that a child might have swallowed a button battery, go straight to A&E.”  
 

CCPC action 

The CCPC’s role is to ensure that consumers are not put at risk by products that do not comply with relevant product safety standards. The CCPC has recalled toys such as toy trucks, light-up headbands, and children’s torches from the market for not complying with these standards. This year, the CCPC has recalled approximately 78,000 toys, of which approximately 2,400 had a button battery risk. 

Ahead of Christmas, CCPC product safety officers have been on the streets actively inspecting and engaging with toy sellers. Where necessary, they instructed retailers to remove toys from the shelves for not meeting product safety requirements.  

What you need to do 

• Keep button batteries away from children. 
• Make sure button batteries in toys are behind a securely fastened compartment - children should never be able to access them. 
• Only buy toys from reputable businesses. This reduces the chances of the toys being unsafe.
• If you think a toy is unsafe or the button batteries are easily accessible to children, please stop using it and let us know by calling our helpline on 01-402-5555.