Dry cell batteries Health Article

Definition

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

This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing a dry cell battery (including button batteries) or breathing in large amounts of dust or smoke from burning batteries.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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
• Lithium dioxide dry cell batteries
  • Manganese dioxide

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 depend 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
• Spastic walk
• Spasticity
• Tremor

Symptoms that can result from breathing in 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
• 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 Treatment

Immediate emergency treatment is necessary after a battery is swallowed.

Seek immediate medical help. Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional. Immediately give the person water or milk, unless instructed otherwise by a health care provider.

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