Coin Sized Batteries Pose Hazard -- 3.9.2012
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Media Advisory
Friday, March 9, 2012
Battery Controlled Project Kick-off to Highlight Risks of Battery Buttons
Coin Sized Batteries Pose Burning and Choking Hazard if Swallowed by Kids
WHAT:
The Battery Controlled Project Kick-off – conducted by Safe Kids Central Ohio in partnership with Columbus Public Health, Safe Kids USA and Energizer Batteries – to highlight the burning and choking risks of coin-sized lithium batteries to small children.
WHO:
Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, assistant health commissioner and medical director at Columbus Public Health; Dr. Kris Jatana, assistant professor, Department of Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgery at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and The Ohio State University; Linda Tvorik, Coordinator, Safe Kids Central Ohio; the Sadauskas Family of Columbus; and, other community partners who work with children.
WHEN:
10:30 a.m., Monday, March 12, 2012
WHERE:
Columbus Public Health – Board Room (2nd Floor)
240 Parsons Ave., Columbus OH
DETAILS:
Electronic devices such as small remote controls, watches, key fobs and greeting cards are part of daily life, but they may contain powerful coin-sized button batteries which can cause severe injury or death to a child. When swallowed, these batteries can get stuck in the throat and cause severe burns in as little as two hours. Children can have symptoms similar to a common viral illness or none at all, and a delay in diagnosis can lead to more serious injuries.
Because small children often have easy access to these devices and many parents don’t know the risks, Safe Kids USA and Energizer developed the Battery Controlled Project to raise awareness, to promote prevention and to advocate for fast treatment.
This kick-off event for central Ohio will feature Pediatric Otolaryngologist-Head and Neck Surgeon Dr. Kris Jatana who will discuss the battery related injuries seen in children. The Sadauskas Family also will share their personal story of a son who was injured when he swallowed a button battery.
MORE INFO:
For more information on The Battery Controlled Project or Safe Kids Central Ohio, visit www.safekidscentralohio.org.
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