Specialty Batteries Guide

With electronic devices becoming slimmer, batteries are also becoming more and more compact. However, with this shift to smaller batteries comes increased safety risks, such as accidental swallowing.

In this guide, we will cover the safety of lithium coin batteries – what are they, what are the risks, and how can you stay safe?

What are lithium coin batteries?

Lithium coin batteries, also known as button cell batteries, are coin-shaped batteries. Next-generation lithium battery chemistry allows a vast amount of power to be delivered consistently and with superior efficiency. Designed by battery experts, GP lithium button cell batteries are specifically optimised for small, specialty devices, such as car keys, remote controls or smartwatches. When stored in the correct conditions, GP lithium coin batteries will hold a charge for up to 10 years, meaning you don’t need to worry about self-discharging when stocking up on everyday and emergency batteries.

What are the risks of using lithium coin batteries?

Lithium coin batteries can cause harm when in contact with bodily fluids by generating a current that produces small amounts of sodium hydroxide, a harsh corrosive. If the battery is swallowed or gets stuck in the body, this can lead to a chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue and death. This risk is amplified by how common lithium coin batteries are; they are found in everyday items such as smart watches, car keys, remote controls, and garage door openers.

To avoid these hazards, all batteries should be used, stored, and disposed of safely and correctly. Store batteries that are not in use in a cool, dry place – or ventilated at room temperature – away from sunlight, metallic objects, and children’s reach.

How to protect your children from button batteries

• Always check that the battery compartments of all toys and electronic devices are securely fastened with a screw.
• If the electronic gadget does not have a lockable compartment, make sure to keep it out of the reach of children.
• Purchase batteries with child resistant packaging.
• Store spare batteries far from children's reach, ideally in a locked upper cupboard.
• If a battery is missing from an electronic device and you think your child might have ingested it, take your child to A&E for a safety check. Severe burns can occur within only 2 hours from ingestion, so seek medical attention immediately.
• Be careful with used batteries, as these should be treated with the same attention as new batteries. Check out our guide on how to recycle batteries properly.
• Inform the whole family about the dangers of inconsiderate battery handling.

Click here for more safety tips.

How is GP helping to mitigate these risks?

It is imperative to give the proper attention to these small batteries to mitigate the risks of children accidentally digesting them or battery leakage. Safety comes first at GP.

Childproof packaging

Not only are our lithium coin batteries designed to protect your gadgets with leak-proof construction, but they also protect your loved ones through thoughtfully designed child-proof packaging. Our child-proof packaging prevents children from accessing the batteries from the blister, lowering the risks of your stored-away lithium button cell batteries.

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