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Dry cell batteries

Definition

Dry cell batteries are a common type of power source. Tiny dry cell batteries are sometimes called button batteries.

This article discusses poisoning from a dry cell battery (including button batteries). Poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to the chemicals inside the battery.

Alternative Names

Batteries - dry cell; Button batteries

Poisonous Ingredient

• Acidic dry cell batteries
  • Manganese dioxide
  • Ammonium chloride
• Alkaline dry cell batteries
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Potassium hydroxide

Where Found

Dry cell batteries are used to power a variety of different items. Small dry cell batteries may be used to power watches and calculators, while larger ones (for example, size "D" batteries) can be used in items such as flashlights.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on what type of battery is swallowed.

Symptoms of acidic dry cell battery poisoning include:

• Decreased mental ability
• Irritation or burns in the mouth
• Muscle cramps
• Slurred speech
• Swelling of the lower legs, ankles, or feet
• Weakness
• Nervous system
• Spastic walk
• Spasticity
• Tremor

Symptoms that can result from inhaling large amounts of the acidic battery, or contents, dust, and smoke from burning batteries include:

• Decreased mental ability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Muscle cramps
• Slurred speech
• Weakness in the legs
• Bronchitis
• Headache
• Pneumonia
• Itching skin
• Nervous system
• Numbness of the fingers or toes
• Spastic walk

Symptoms of alkaline battery poisoning may include:

• Severe pain in the mouth
• Collapse
• Inability to breathe due to the throat swelling shut
• Severe pain in the throat
• Severe abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Rapid drop in blood pressure

Home Care

Seek immediate medical help. If the battery was swallowed, DO NOT make a person throw up. Immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider.

Immediate emergency treatment is necessary after a battery is swallowed.

If the person breathed in fumes from the battery, immediately move him or her to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

• Patient's age, weight, and condition
• Type of battery
• Time it was swallowed
• Amount swallowed

Poison Control

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure.

The person will need immediate x-rays to make sure the battery is not stuck in the esophagus. Most swallowed batteries that pass through the esophagus will pass in the stool without complication. However, if a battery gets stuck in the esophagus it can cause a hole in the esophagus very quickly.

The patient may also have an upper GI endoscopy to remove a battery lodged in the esophagus.

Symptoms will be treated as appropriate.

Outlook (Prognosis)

How well a patient does depends on the amount of poison swallowed and how quickly treatment was received. The faster a patient gets medical help, the better the chance for recovery. Full recovery is often possible if treated quickly.

Serious problems are usually seen only following industrial accidents. Most household exposures (such as licking some liquid from a leaking battery or swallowing a button battery) are minor.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.