The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) draws attention to the particular dangers of button cells for small children. If swallowed, they can get stuck in the esophagus and severely damage the mucous membrane. "After swallowing a button cell, an examination should be carried out immediately in a clinic," says BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. Even if there is a reasonable suspicion that a button cell has been swallowed, the BfR already advises an appropriate examination.
According to BfR, the fact that ingestion is often not noticed is particularly dangerous. Initially, there are no or only mild symptoms, but later vomiting, loss of appetite, fever and coughing can occur. If the button cell gets stuck in the esophagus, serious chemical burns can also result. The BfR points out that the more heavily the button cell is charged and the longer it remains in the esophagus, the more pronounced the damage to health can be.
To prevent such an accident from happening in the first place, parents should keep button cells out of reach of their children. They can also download the free BfR app "Vergiftungsunfälle bei Kindern" (Poisoning Accidents in Children) at bfr.bund.de/en/apps_vergiftungsunfaelle.html, which they can use to prepare for emergencies and find out about first aid measures in the event of poisoning, among other things.
Source: idw-online.de/bfr.bund.de
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