Energizer has released new battery technology in Australia that could save young lives. Energizer Ultimate Child Shield batteries are the world’s only button lithium batteries to eliminate the risk of ingestion burns.
Button batteries, also known as coin batteries, have long been a danger for small children and pets. Due to their shape and size, they are easily swallowed, resulting in devastating internal burns and possibly death. Until now, manufacturers have relied upon tougher packaging and a nasty taste to reduce the chances of a child ingesting coin batteries. But kids will always find a way, and that leads to about 20 children a week being admitted to hospital emergency departments.
A 20mm coin lithium battery is similar in size to a child’s oesophagus, increasing the possibility of it becoming lodged if swallowed. When this happens, the battery can cause burning in as little as 15 minutes and life-threatening injuries within a few hours, making immediate medical attention critical.
“As coin lithium batteries play an increasingly important role in powering everyday devices, it’s crucial we continue to innovate,” said Amanda Broderick – Senior Director, International Marketing at Energizer Holdings.
“Energizer Ultimate Child Shield does exactly that — it includes a revolutionary technology that eliminates the risk of ingestion burns if a battery is swallowed by a child.”
The new technology uses a proprietary premium titanium alloy designed to prevent the chemical reaction that causes burns if a battery is swallowed. But that’s not all. Energizer Ultimate Child Shield also includes the world’s only Colour Alert technology, which dyes the mouth blue when it interacts with saliva. Actually, my fingers started turning blue too, but they were a bit sweaty. This is an excellent way to indicate that a child has swallowed a battery or at least had it in their mouth. On top of that, Energizer has also added a non-toxic bitter coating to deter ingestion and in child-resistant packaging.
Pricing and Availability
- Energizer Ultimate Child Shield coin lithium batteries are now available in sizes 2032, 2025, and 2016.
- I found 2-pack 2025 options selling for A$14 at Kmart.
Conclusion
If you’re a parent of a small child, please consider spending extra for these batteries. We’ve been asking for this type of breakthrough for decades, and now we have it.
The stories are just horrific, so if we have a solution, we should use it. Button batteries are everywhere, so it may take some time to swap them out. They are significantly more expensive than standard coin batteries, but in the end, it has to be worth it.
