Consumer Reports Warns of Continued Sale of Dangerous Button Batteries Despite Safer Alternatives
Consumer Reports has issued a warning regarding the continued sale of button batteries that pose serious dangers to young children, despite the availability of safer technological alternatives. These small batteries, commonly found in household items like key fobs, remote controls, toys, and thermometers, present a significant risk beyond choking. If swallowed, a button battery can cause severe internal burns in as little as two hours due to an electrical reaction with bodily fluids, potentially leading to death. The tragic death of 18-month-old Reese in 2020, after swallowing a button battery, spurred the passage of Reese’s Law in 2022, which mandates child-resistant packaging and more secure battery compartments. However, a Consumer Reports investigation revealed that approximately one-third of button-battery products purchased online still have dangerously accessible batteries. While some manufacturers have introduced safety features like bitter coatings, blue dyes, and new battery designs (e.g., Energi...
