Protect children from hazardous chemical burns To mark Children's Safety Day, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is publishing a knowledge comic about button cells
What it's about:
To mark this year's Children's Safety Day on 10 June, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is drawing attention to the health risks of swallowed button cells with a new science comic. If the small, flat batteries pass through the oesophagus, complications are rarely to be expected - it is usually sufficient to wait for them to shed naturally under medical supervision. However, if the battery gets stuck in the oesophagus, parents must act quickly: Contact with the moist mucous membranes causes a current to flow. Hydroxide ions form at the interface between the button cell and the mucous membrane, which can lead to severe burns. "The more the battery is charged, the more serious the consequences," says Professor Matthias Greiner, Head of the ExposureExposureTo glossary Department at the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. "Lithium button cells are particularly problematic as they have a comparatively high electrical voltage." Large button cells (with a diameter of over 20 millimetres) pose an increased health risk as they are more likely to get stuck in the oesophagus.
Button cells are found in many devices: From wristwatches and remote controls to children's toys. However, button cells can be hazardous for smaller children: If they are swallowed, they can get stuck in the oesophagus. Contact with the moist mucous membranes often results in a current flow that can cause severe burns. In the worst case, the injuries can even be fatal. Those affected often only develop recognisable symptoms after several hours. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment therefore advises people to go to a paediatric clinic or emergency room immediately if they suspect that a button cell has been swallowed.
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment knowledge comics
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment uses its knowledge comics to illustrate current topics. The current issue is all about poisoning accidents involving button cells: How can these be replaced? What to do in an emergency? What are the possible health consequences of swallowing a button cell? The comic format provides entertaining, clear and serious information on health risks in everyday life (free download at External Link:https://www.bfr.bund.de/de/bfr-wissens-comic.html). "What does science say?" is always the question asks. It is answered by a researcher who takes the reader on a short journey. People remember pictures more easily than words. This is why comics are particularly suitable for memorable science communication. Without complicated explanations, the invisible can be made visible, the abstract can be told in a picture. And if scientific precisionPositive Predictive ValueTo glossary demands it, text and image can be combined to illustrate complex issues.
The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment app “Poisoning accidents in children”
To provide parents and carers with information and support in an emergency, the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment has developed the app "Poisoning accidents in children" (available for free download: https:External Link://www.bfr.bund.de/presse/bfr-apps/). In addition to valuable tips, it provides direct telephone contact to the seven German federal states ("Laender") poison centres. Important: Although the app provides information on first aid measures, it is not a substitute for medical advice and treatment in an emergency.
The Child Safety Day
With the Child Safety Day, the Federal Working Group "More Safety for Children" (BAG) draws attention to the hazards of accidents involving children. According to the BAG, accidents are among the greatest health risks for children. Typical accidents include falls, drowning, suffocation, burns, scalds and poisoning - many of which are preventable.
About the BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment
The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) is a scientifically independent institution within the portfolio of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH) in Germany. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment advises the Federal Government and the States (‘Laender’) on questions of food, chemicals and product safety. The BfRshort forGerman Federal Institute for Risk Assessment conducts independent research on topics that are closely linked to its assessment tasks.
This text version is a translation of the original German text which is the only legally binding version.