Island Health and the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit are calling on parents and caregivers to help shape future safety efforts and prevent injuries and fatalities surrounding button batteries.

It is National Poison Prevention Week.

The survey was created to better understand British Columbians' knowledge of button battery safety.

Results will be used to inform provincial and national working groups and guide public awareness and advocacy for safer consumer products and stronger regulations for button batteries packaging.

Many common household products and toys use button batteries including toothbrushes, watches, alarm clocks, bathroom scales, hearing aids, and key fobs.

If swallowed or inserted into a part of the body, even if the battery is dead, there can be permanent damage, and life-threatening internal chemical burns in as little as two hours.

“Button batteries, also known as disc, flat or coin batteries, can be found everywhere and are commonly in giveaway, promotional or charity products, and in toys in children’s party bags,” said Neil Arason, injury prevention specialist, Island Health.

“Because button batteries are so small, they are most commonly ingested through the mouth and swallowed, but they can also be inserted into the nose, ears, or other parts of the body.”

Data from the last nine years shows an average of 20 people a year are treated at Island Health emergency departments for button battery injuries.

Most of the patients are under four years old and need urgent or rapid medical care.

The survey, which takes less than five minutes to complete, closes on March 31st.

To take part or to learn more, visit Button Battery Safety Knowledge Survey.