The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) points out the particular dangers of button cells for small children. If they are swallowed, they can get stuck in the oesophagus and cause serious damage to the mucous membrane. "If a button cell is swallowed, it should be examined immediately in a clinic," says BfR President Professor Dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel. The BfR also advises an appropriate examination even if there is reasonable suspicion that a button cell has been swallowed.
According to the BfR, the fact that ingestion often goes unnoticed 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 oesophagus, serious chemical burns can also occur. The BfR points out that the more heavily charged the button cell is and the longer it remains in the oesophagus, the more severe the damage to health can be.
To prevent such accidents 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 "Poisoning accidents in children" at bfr.bund.de/en/apps_vergiftungsunfaelle.html, which they can use to prepare themselves for an emergency 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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