Button batteries react with saliva to make caustic soda, which is used to unblock drains. If a child swallows a button battery and it gets stuck in their food pipe, it can burn a hole. This causes internal bleeding and can kill. Larger lithium 'coin cell' batteries (about the size of a five pence piece) are the most dangerous. Smaller batteries can be inserted into places such as ears and noses, causing serious injuries for children if undetected.

Found out more in our resources section.