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By Nathaniel Leigh

Primary Care Alberta

Primary Care Alberta warning against children swallowing button batteries

Dec 16, 2025 | 4:17 PM

Primary Care Alberta is reminding about the risks button batteries can pose to children if swallowed.

As the holiday season gets into full swing, many items that use the small circular batteries will be in circulation, including toys, games, cameras, flashing shoes and musical cards.

PCA says because of the batteries’ size, they can sometimes be mistaken for candy by small children, causing severe chemical burns and possibly even death if swallowed.

Symptoms from ingesting a battery include wheezing, drooling, trouble swallowing, nausea and fever.

PCA is encouraging parents to protect their kids by avoiding purchasing objects with button batteries where possible, keeping all batteries locked up and supervising children when using products with button batteries.

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If you think your child has swallowed a battery, do not attempt to induce vomiting; instead, take them to the nearest emergency department or call 911 immediately.