At least 38 children are taken to emergency departments each year after swallowing a battery, according to research by the Emma Children’s Abdominal Centre at Amsterdam UMC.
The researchers warn that battery ingestion can have serious consequences, especially for young children, and may even be fatal. They analysed all reported cases involving children between 2018 and 2021 in the Netherlands for the first time.
The study found that children most often swallow loose, small, round button batteries. About one in seven of the ingested batteries comes from toys. Because of their small size and shiny appearance, these batteries are particularly attractive to children, the researchers said.
Swallowing a battery can cause severe complications, including damage to the oesophagus and internal bleeding.
The researchers are calling for greater awareness among parents and health professionals. They also urge manufacturers to take responsibility by securing batteries more effectively in toys and electronic devices.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
