Significant Injury Risk
Research published in May of this year showed a significant increase in cases of serious injury and death caused by swallowing of lithium button cells. The research, conducted by the US National Capital Poison Center along with Georgetown University and the University of Virginia, showed that seven times more injuries were taking place than previously. This resulted in warnings in online and conventional media about the potential danger to children of products containing lithium button cells.
The research showed that roughly 3500 ingestion cases occurred annually. Most frequently, these involved children under 4, and in 90% of cases involved CR and BR type lithium button cells, marked 2016, 2025 and 2032. 3% of the 3500 cases lead to moderate to severe injuries, which represents a 0.5% increase over the previous ten years.
Especially dangerous are 3 volt lithium batteries. The 20mm size of these batteries (similar to that of a US Nickel) means that there is a particularly high risk that if swallowed they will become stuck in the esophagus. If this happens, contact between saliva and the battery can result in the generation of hydroxide. Hydroxide generated in this way can, in as little as two hours, lead to perforations in the wall of the esophagus.
Product Design Improvement
The NCPC report showed that two thirds of battery ingestions were the result of children removing batteries from household products, including in particular 20mm lithium coin batteries from PDAs, key fobs, watches, hand held games and remote controls. The report, which received strong coverage from the US media, showed that the remaining third of incidents related to loose batteries found in their original packaging.
The report prompted a response from the US National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). The association recommended that manufacturers ensure that measures regarding lithium coin batteries detailed in the ASTM F963-07 standard for toy manufacturers be adhered to. Key aspects of this standard include the requirement that warnings regarding batteries appear on product packaging, that clear instructions regarding battery use come with products, and that products be designed to minimise the danger of children gaining access to battery compartments. This danger can be minimised by requiring a tool for access to battery compartments.
More Than Just Warning Labels
It is essential that the dangers of battery ingestion be addressed through product design. Some manufacturers may assume that warning labels provide sufficient safety, but there are several reasons why this is not the case. Provision of a only a warning label may disadvantage manufacturers who compete against those with better designed products. The label may alert adult buyers to the risks involved in a product and may then be likely to seek a better designed product. Also, warning labels will not help if young, preliterate, and highly curious children gain access to products without supervision. The NCPC report shows that two out of three cases of battery ingestion occur in this way.
With many parents in the United States now increasingly aware of the danger that products can cause to their young children through battery ingestion, it is clear that those manufacturers who respond to the demand for safe products will win more business in this section of the market.
The extensive expertise that SGS has in the field appliance and battery testing means that SGS can help you to meet construction and compliance requirements for your products.
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