Energizer’s new coin batteries prevent ingestion burns
▼ Summary
– Energizer announced a new lithium coin battery line called Ultimate Child Shield that it claims eliminates the risk of ingestion burns if swallowed, available in sizes 2032, 2025, and 2016 starting today.
– Swallowed batteries can be life-threatening if stuck in the esophagus, as contact with saliva generates an electrical current causing alkaline tissue burns within hours.
– The batteries feature child-resistant packaging, a bitterant coating to deter ingestion, and a food-grade dye that turns the mouth blue when in contact with saliva.
– Energizer did not specify how the new line prevents current generation and chemical reactions, but these measures supplement existing safety features on other Energizer batteries.
– Despite the claim of eliminated burn risk, Energizer recommends seeking immediate medical attention for any suspected battery ingestion in children or pets.
Energizer has unveiled a new line of lithium coin batteries that it touts as the first in the world to eliminate the risk of ingestion burns if swallowed. Dubbed the Ultimate Child Shield line, the series launches today in three common sizes,2032, 2025, and 2016,which are frequently found in everyday gadgets such as remote controls, wearable devices, and tracking tools like Apple’s AirTags.
While most swallowed batteries pass harmlessly through the body, the danger escalates if one becomes lodged in the esophagus. Beyond posing a choking hazard, a battery stuck in the throat can come into contact with saliva and generate an electrical current. This triggers chemical reactions that produce alkaline tissue burns, potentially causing life-threatening injuries within just a few hours.
Energizer’s announcement stops short of detailing the exact engineering behind the new line’s ability to prevent current generation and the resulting chemical burns. However, the batteries incorporate several existing safety features already found on other Energizer products. They come in child-resistant packaging, are coated with a bitterant,similar to the substance used on Nintendo Switch cartridges,to discourage swallowing, and feature a food-grade dye that turns the mouth blue upon contact with saliva. This color change acts as a visible signal that a battery may have been ingested.
Despite the claim that the risk of serious or life-threatening ingestion burns has been eliminated, Energizer strongly advises seeking immediate medical attention in every case of battery ingestion, even if it is only suspected that a child or pet,the dye works on cats and dogs as well,has swallowed one.
(Source: The Verge)
