Recent product recalls at Bunnings Warehouse have highlighted a serious safety concern that every parent and caregiver should know about – the dangers of button/coin batteries. These small, disc-shaped batteries can cause devastating injuries if swallowed by children.
Two recent recalls specifically relate to products containing button batteries:
- The Solder Access Tradeflame product (sold between March 2021 and September 2024)
- INKBIRD Food Thermometer (sold between November 2022 and July 2024)
Why Are Button Batteries So Dangerous? Button batteries pose a severe hazard to young children. If swallowed or inserted into the body, these batteries can cause:
- Choking
- Severe internal burns
- Fatal injuries in as little as 2 hours
- Permanent tissue damage
The danger comes from the battery’s electrical charge and chemical contents. When a button battery gets stuck in the throat or digestive tract, it can create an electrical current that produces hydroxide, resulting in dangerous chemical burns.
What Parents Should Know:
- Many common household items contain button batteries
- Children under 5 are at highest risk
- Symptoms of battery ingestion can be similar to other childhood illnesses
- Time is critical – seek immediate medical attention if ingestion is suspected
Safety Tips:
- Check all household devices for secure battery compartments
- Store loose batteries out of children’s reach
- Dispose of used batteries immediately and safely
- Teach older children about battery dangers
- Keep products containing button batteries away from young children
If you have purchased any recalled products containing button batteries from Bunnings, stop using them immediately and keep them away from children. Return the products to any Bunnings store for a full refund.
Remember: Prevention is key. Always ensure button batteries in household items are secured in child-resistant compartments and keep loose batteries stored safely away from children’s reach.
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