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 you can 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. Along with alkaline and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, lithium coin batteries like CR2032 and CR2025 are commonly used in Hong Kong, particularly in specialised applications like watches, calculators and hearing aids. These lithium coin or button cell batteries typically carry a nominal charge of 3V, which can easily power these specialised gadgets.
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?
Handling the batteries itself does not inherently pose any risk if you take the necessary precautions. 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 chemical burns, perforation of soft tissue, and ultimately death if not dealt with immediately. This risk is amplified by how common lithium coin batteries are; they are found in everyday items such as car fobs, remotes, 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.
In the next section, we’ll discuss how we can protect children from accidentally ingesting batteries.
How to Protect Your Children
Battery safety doesn’t have to involve a lot of steps. Sometimes, taking these precautions can help protect your child from coming into direct contact with 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 two 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.
- Spread information to the whole family about the dangers of inconsiderate battery handling.
Disposing Lithium Coin Batteries Safely
Lithium coin batteries are considered hazardous waste, so they should not be thrown away with regular trash. There are several ways to dispose of lithium coin batteries safely but the recommended method is to recycle.
Recycling batteries is simple. Collect them (the used batteries) in a plastic bag and take them to a designated battery recycling collection point. These collection points can be found at many electronics stores, supermarkets and community centres.
Additional Safety Tips for Handling and Disposing Lithium Coin Batteries:
- Do not short-circuit batteries. This can cause them to heat up and potentially explode.
- Do not dispose of batteries in a fire. This can also cause them to explode.
- Do not attempt to recharge lithium coin batteries. They are not designed to be rechargeable.
Safety Comes First at GP Batteries
It is imperative to give proper attention to these small batteries to mitigate the risks of children accidentally digesting them or battery leakage.
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.
Warning Information
We are continuously working on optimising our product warning labels, and battery-engraved safety icons to help you handle and dispose of hazardous chemicals properly.
Consumer Awareness
We take the safety of our consumers very seriously. We are actively sharing educational content to raise awareness about the potential hazards posed to children by button batteries.
Lithium Coin Batteries Are Safe if You Know How to Handle Them
Lithium coin batteries are not entirely risk-free but with the right information on proper handling and storage, you can enjoy the perks of this useful power source in your daily life worry-free.
Share this article with friends and family to help spread life-saving safety information. For more information on where to buy lithium coin batteries like CR2032 in Hong Kong, check out GP Batteries’ products today.
