Keep Button Batteries Out of Reach of Children

A swallowed button battery can burn through a child's esophagus in as little as 2 hours, causing permanent injury or death. The electrical current creates a chemical reaction that produces caustic soda at the contact point — this happens even with "dead" batteries. Secure battery compartments with tape, dispose of dead batteries immediately in a sealed container, and keep loose batteries locked away. If you suspect a child has swallowed one, go to the ER immediately — do not wait for symptoms. Time is everything with this injury.