Dry Cell Batteries

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Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks article:

ADAM. "Dry Cell Batteries." 16 May 2007. HowStuffWorks.com. <http://healthguide.howstuffworks.com/dry-cell-batteries-dictionary.htm> 27 November 2009.

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Definition

Poisoning from a dry cell battery (including button batteries) occurs from exposure to the harmful chemicals in them.

Alternative Names

Batteries - dry cell

Poisonous Ingredient

Acidic dry cell batteries
- Manganese dioxide
- Ammonium chloride
Alkaline dry cell batteries
- Sodium hydroxide
- Potassium hydroxide

Where Found

Dry cell batteries, commonly found in most households.

Note: This list may not be all-inclusive.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on what type of battery is ingested (acidic or alkaline).

Symptoms of acidic dry cell battery poisoning include:

Decreased mental ability
Irritation or burns in the mouth
Muscle cramps
Slurred speech
Swelling of the lower legs, ankles, or feet
Weakness
Nervous system
Spastic walk
Spasticity
Tremor

Symptoms that can result from inhaling large amounts of the acidic battery, or contents, dust, and smoke from burning batteries include:

Decreased mental ability
Difficulty sleeping
Muscle cramps
Slurred speech
Weakness in the legs
Bronchitis
Headache
Pneumonia
Itching skin
Nervous system
Numbness of the fingers or toes
Spastic walk

Symptoms of alkaline battery poisoning may include:

Severe pain in the mouth
Collapse
Inability to breathe due to the throat swelling shut
Severe pain in the throat
Severe abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Drooling
Rapid drop in blood pressure

Home Treatment

If you suspect poisoning, seek emergency medical care immediately.

If there has been an ingestion of a button battery, DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. The person who ingested the battery will need immediate x-rays at a medical facility to make sure the battery is not lodged in the esophagus. Most swallowed batteries that pass through the esophagus will pass in the stool without complication. However, batteries lodged in the esophagus can cause esophageal erosion, and can cause a hole in the esophagus very quickly. Immediate emergency treatment is necessary after a battery is swallowed.

If the battery was swallowed, give water or milk.

If inhaled, take the patient outdoors to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

The patient's age, weight, and condition
The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
The time it was swallowed
The amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

If you are in the United States, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

What to expect at the emergency room

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Treatment of symptoms
Monitoring of vital signs
Upper GI endoscopy to retrieve a battery lodged in the esophagus

Expectations (prognosis)

Full recovery is often possible if treated quickly. Serious problems are usually seen only following industrial accidents. Most household exposures (such as licking some liquid from a leaking battery) are minor.

Review Date:5/10/2005
Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.