Significant Injury Risk
Research published in May of this year showed a significant
increase in cases of serious injury and death caused by
swallowing of lithium button cells. The research, conducted by
the US National Capital Poison Center along with Georgetown
University and the University of Virginia, showed that seven
times more injuries were taking place than previously. This
resulted in warnings in online and conventional media about the
potential danger to children of products containing lithium button
cells.
The research showed that roughly 3500 ingestion cases
occurred annually. Most frequently, these involved children
under 4, and in 90% of cases involved CR and BR type lithium
button cells, marked 2016, 2025 and 2032. 3% of the 3500
cases lead to moderate to severe injuries, which represents a
0.5% increase over the previous ten years.
Especially dangerous are 3 volt lithium batteries. The 20mm
size of these batteries (similar to that of a US Nickel) means that
there is a particularly high risk that if swallowed they will
become stuck in the esophagus. If this happens, contact
between saliva and the battery can result in the generation of
hydroxide. Hydroxide generated in this way can, in as little as
two hours, lead to perforations in the wall of the esophagus.
Product Design Improvement
The NCPC report showed that two thirds of battery ingestions
were the result of children removing batteries from household
products, including in particular 20mm lithium coin batteries
from PDAs, key fobs, watches, hand held games and remote
controls. The report, which received strong coverage from the
US media, showed that the remaining third of incidents related
to loose batteries found in their original packaging.
The report prompted a response from the US National Electrical
Manufacturers Association (NEMA). The association
recommended that manufacturers ensure that measures
regarding lithium coin batteries detailed in the ASTM F963-07
standard for toy manufacturers be adhered to. Key aspects of
this standard include the requirement that warnings regarding
batteries appear on product packaging, that clear instructions
regarding battery use come with products, and that products be
designed to minimise the danger of children gaining access to
battery compartments. This danger can be minimised by
requiring a tool for access to battery compartments.
More Than Just Warning Labels
It is essential that the dangers of battery ingestion be
addressed through product design. Some manufacturers may
assume that warning labels provide sufficient safety, but there
are several reasons why this is not the case. Provision of a only
a warning label may disadvantage manufacturers who compete
against those with better designed products. The label may alert
adult buyers to the risks involved in a product and may then be
likely to seek a better designed product. Also, warning labels
will not help if young, preliterate, and highly curious children
gain access to products without supervision. The NCPC report
shows that two out of three cases of battery ingestion occur in
this way.
With many parents in the United States now increasingly aware
of the danger that products can cause to their young children
through battery ingestion, it is clear that those manufacturers
who respond to the demand for safe products will win more
business in this section of the market.
The extensive expertise that SGS has in the field appliance and
battery testing means that SGS can help you to meet
construction and compliance requirements for your products.
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