Battery ingestion hazard mitigation. (7th October 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, D; Midgett, J
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 18(2012)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A137
• Page End: A137
• Publication Date: 2012-10-07
• Subjects: Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2012-040590i.1
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Recent research indicates an increase in button/coin battery ingestion, causing severe injuries or death, if not detected and removed within 2 h of lodging in the oesophagus. A multifaceted approach is needed to combat the hazard, including increasing consumer education and awareness of proper use and disposal of batteries; improving product standards for electronic enclosures, product packaging, and literature; and advancing technological improvements in battery design that could mitigate the hazard. Objective: To discuss conceptual technological improvements in button/coin battery designs to mitigate battery ingestion hazards. Methods: This paper considers various methods of reducing the hazard including: using nonconductive encapsulation or modifying the terminal surface area to reduce accessible electrode area; adding a protective device to limit current flow; or adding a collapsible mechanism to a battery's outer surface that will expand when the battery is removed from an enclosure so that it will be too big to be swallowed. Results: Practicalities of these conceptual changes and results of some battery ingestion simulations are discussed. Simulations show that near-complete encapsulation of one of the poles is necessary to prevent necrosis. Significance: Methods for battery ingestion prevention or disabling the current from an ingested battery could prevent or reduce severe injury and death.