Button Battery Awareness Day *June 12th*

Button Battery Awareness Day *June 12th*

Button Battery Safety

Button batteries are found in everyday household items. If swallowed, they can cause severe internal burns in as little as 2 hours. Know what to do.

What To Do Immediately

🚨 Emergency Contacts

Call immediately if you suspect button battery ingestion.

National Button Battery Hotline (24/7)

1-800-498-8666

Poison Control (U.S.)

1-800-222-1222

  1. If your child is over 1 year old and able to swallow, give 2 teaspoons of honey every 10 minutes (up to 6 doses). Guidance from the National Capital Poison Center indicates honey may help slow tissue damage while traveling to the hospital.

  2. Go immediately to a hospital emergency department that has both an operating room and X-ray capability so the battery can be located and removed urgently. Do NOT go to a standalone ER or urgent care.

  3. Tell medical staff immediately that you suspect button battery ingestion so an X-ray can be done right away.

  4. No water. Do NOT induce vomiting. Nothing by mouth except honey (per the guidelines above).

  5. Honey Warning - Do NOT give honey to children under 1 year old. Honey is not safe for infants due to the risk of botulism.

Possible Symptoms

  • Coughing or choking

  • Gagging

  • Drooling

  • Vomiting

  • Chest discomfort

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Refusing food

  • Spitting food out

  • Fever

  • Unexplained irritability

  • Unusual fussiness

Common Sources of Button Batteries

Around the House

  • Remote controls

  • Key fobs

  • Flameless candles

  • Hearing aids

  • Thermometers

  • Watches

  • Calculators

Kids' Items & Gifts

  • Flashing toys

  • Singing or talking books

  • Musical greeting cards

  • Small electronics

  • Decorative items

  • Light-up shoes or clothing

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