Lithium Coin Batteries: A Home Safety Walkthrough

Protecting children from a hidden danger

​​​Lithium coin batteries​ are found in many common household devices. They are small—about the size of a nickel—​and if swallowed can cause serious harm. Read on for a room-by-room rundown of where lithium coin batteries may be found in your home, and simple ways to keep children from getting at them.​​

​​Look in each of the following rooms of your home. Follow these 4 simple steps to keep your child safe:

1. ​​Look for loose batteries. Get down to your child's eye level to see what they see. Look in couch cushions, on low tables and shelves or any other areas that a child can reach.

2. Keep batteries in a secure place, up high and out of a child's reach.

3. Secure battery compartments by tightening the screws or securing them with tape. Tape could ensure the compartment does not accidentally open.

4. Keep a watchful eye. Toddlers and young children are curious by nature so close supervision is key.​​

Entryway

​​Secure lithium coin batteries in wireless doorbells, home security devices and other objects found in your home's entryway.​

Living Room

Make sure your child can’t get at lithium coin batteries inside remote controls, electronic toys, and on key finders. ​​​

Bedroom

Check remote controls and decorative electronics like string lights in your bedroom. ​​​​​​​

Kitchen

Lithium coin batteries are found in items like kitchen scales, along with key fobs and finders left on the counter.​​​

Bathroom

Keep electronic thermometers up and away after use. Check that children can't get ahold of lithium coin batteries in other items like bathroom scales.​

Remember

​If you suspect your child has ingested a lithium coin or other small battery, take them immediately to an emergency room! Your child may not show any symptoms at first, but lithium coin batteries can cause a harmful chemical reaction and burn the esophagus within a few hours. This can be life-threatening. An X-ray can properly diagnose an unintentional ingestion. If you aren't able to drive, call 911 for help.​​