Toy Association Reminds Families to Remain Vigilant of Dangers Posed by Button Batteries

November 22, 2021 | The Toy Association is applauding Health Canada’s newly introduced health advisory on button batteries, which aligns with the Association’s long-standing position that small button and coin-size batteries pose a serious health hazard if swallowed.

“This advisory confirms what we as an Association have been saying for years about the dangers button cell batteries pose to children, and we are pleased to see Health Canada helping to get the word out at a time of year when many families will be using batteries to power up gifted gadgets and devices,” said Joan Lawrence, senior vice president of standards and regulatory affairs at The Toy Association.

While all toys sold in the U.S. must adhere to strict regulations that require toys that use batteries feature a locked compartment that ensures they are inaccessible to young children, there are plenty of other household items using batteries that are not subject to the same safety standards, such as remote controls, clocks, watches, and other products.

According to the Health Canada advisory, the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) received reports of 125 button-battery related injuries in 2020. Likewise, the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) also reported that ER-treated injuries related to button batteries rose by 93 percent among young children (ages 5-9) during the pandemic.

“It’s important that families everywhere remain vigilant of these hazards during the holiday gift-giving season but also year-round, and the U.S. toy industry will continue to work with its partners worldwide to ensure the safety of children everywhere,” said Lawrence.

Click here to read The Toy Association’s official statement on button cell batteries.