The everyday household item New Zealand parents may be overlooking

As coin lithium batteries become increasingly common in Kiwi homes, Energizer has introduced a world-first innovation which prevents ingestion burns if swallowed.

This content was prepared by Energizer and is being published by The New Zealand Herald as Advertorial.

From stair gates and cupboard locks to sunscreen and bike helmets,
parents spend plenty of time thinking about how to help keep children safe. But one small household item can be easy to overlook: the coin lithium battery.

These batteries power everything from car key fobs and remote controls to bathroom scales, toys and tracking devices. As more everyday products rely on compact, battery-powered technology, coin lithium batteries are turning up in more places around the home.

Their size can pose a risk, especially for young children. A child’s oesophagus and a 20mm coin lithium battery are similar in diameter, which means the battery can become lodged in a child’s oesophagus if swallowed.

In New Zealand, approximately 20 children are taken to the Starship Emergency Department each year with button battery-related injuries or because they are suspected of swallowing one, according to Starship Child Health.

It is against this backdrop that advances in battery design are playing an increasingly important role in helping reduce the ingestion burn risk.

Energizer has introduced Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™, the world’s only coin lithium battery that prevents ingestion burns if the battery is swallowed. Created following years of research and development, it uses a proprietary titanium alloy to prevent the chemical reaction that can cause burning.

The range also incorporates additional layers of protection, including child-resistant packaging and a non-toxic bitter coating designed to help discourage ingestion.

Energizer world’s only Colour Alert Technology provides another visible layer of protection. If the battery comes into contact with saliva, the technology activates and turns the mouth blue, alerting caregivers to act fast.

The innovation reflects a wider move towards building safety features into everyday products from the outset. However, no technology replaces close supervision and responsible battery practices in the home.

Part of the challenge is that coin lithium batteries can be found in places families may not immediately think to check. Beyond obvious items such as toys, they are commonly used in key fobs, kitchen scales, thermometers, musical greeting cards, digital bathroom scales and other electronic accessories.

This makes awareness an important part of household battery safety – from knowing which everyday items contain coin lithium batteries to considering how new and used batteries are stored and handled.

Correct disposal is also important, as coin lithium batteries can create a potential fire hazard if placed in household rubbish or recycling bins. Used batteries can be taped on both sides and taken to dedicated battery recycling bins at Bunnings Warehouse or Mitre 10 stores.

Together, advances in product design and greater awareness can help families better manage the coin lithium batteries used throughout their homes.

Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™ coin lithium batteries (sizes 2032, 2025 and 2016) are available in leading stores and supermarkets nationwide.

For more information about the product, please visit EnergizerUltimateChildShield.com

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