More kids are going to the ER for swallowing ‘button’ batteries, study finds. Why that’s really dangerous

More than 70,000 children in the past decade went to the emergency room for swallowing batteries, a new study found, a stark increase from the previous decade.More than 84% of patients were under 5, and “button” batteries accounted for nearly 85% of the emergency room visits. Three-volt lithium button batteries are among the most dangerous because they have a higher voltage that can cause more damage in a shorter time. They also can get stuck in the throat more easily because of their larger diameter. The best way to prevent serious injuries from swallowing batteries, is for companies to develop safer battery technology. A startup called Landsdown Labs is designing a battery that becomes inactive when accidentally ingested. Read more >>