Warning: Lithium batteries can kill

With so many families using batteries for toys this Christmas, parents need to be aware that Lithium batteries can be found in many items in your home.

They are used to power remote controls, toys, musical greeting cards, calculators, watches, keys and other electronics. Small children can often have easy access to these devices as people are not aware of the risk the lithium batteries can have.

David Adams, Home Safety Officer for Coleraine, Ballymoney and Moyle Borough Councils commented on the dangers: “Lithium batteries are more frequently causing injuries and death in children aged between 12 months to six years old.

“When swallowed the battery creates an electrical current, and that current causes a buildup of sodium hydroxide the common name of which is caustic soda. The caustic soda burns through the esophagus and continues on to burn through major blood vessels leading to catastrophic internal bleeding.

“Even after removal, if enough sodium hydroxide has built up the burning will continue causing death anything up to a week later. These small batteries don’t have to be broken, chewed or damaged in any way to cause death from internal bleeding.”