Key Facts:
- Energizer has launched its new Ultimate Child Shield™ coin lithium batteries, which are the world’s only coin lithium batteries that prevent ingestion burns if swallowed, using a proprietary titanium alloy to stop any chemical reaction before it starts.
- The product addresses a significant safety concern in Australia, where an estimated 20 children per week present to hospital emergency departments suspected of having ingested or inserted a coin lithium battery.
- The batteries include multiple additional safety features: child-resistant packaging, a non-toxic bitter coating to discourage ingestion, and exclusive Colour Alert Technology that dyes the mouth blue when saliva contacts the battery, alerting caregivers to act quickly.
- Medical professionals have highlighted the urgency of the issue, noting that tissue damage can begin in as little as 15 minutes if a coin lithium battery becomes lodged in a child’s oesophagus.
- Energizer is encouraging caregivers to complement these innovations with safe storage and disposal practices, including keeping batteries secured and out of reach, and taping used batteries on both sides before prompt disposal or recycling.
Energizer, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and distributors of batteries, has announced the launch of its new Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™ coin lithium batteries (sizes 2032, 2025 and 2016). This breakthrough technology introduces the world’s only coin lithium battery that prevents ingestion burns if swallowed.
As coin lithium batteries power more everyday devices – from key fobs and remotes to tracking tags and toys – their presence in Australian households continues to grow. However, this increased usage has been accompanied by rising safety concerns. In Australia, an estimated 20 children per week present to a hospital emergency department suspected of having ingested or inserted a coin lithium battery[i] .
“A 20mm coin lithium battery is similar in size to a young child’s oesophagus, meaning it can easily become lodged if swallowed. As a paramedic, I’ve seen how quickly these situations can become life threatening. Tissue damage can begin in as little as 15 minutes. It’s encouraging to see innovations like Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™, designed with a safety feature which prevent ingestion burns” said Theo Mallos, Co-founder of Rescueblue.
Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™ is the result of years of research and development. This revolutionary safety innovation from Energizer is the world’s only coin lithium battery that prevents burning if swallowed. Offering a superior number of safety features, Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™ also includes:
- Child-Resistant Packaging: Energizer was the first brand to launch child resistant packaging, to help prevent children from accessing the batteries in the package.
- Non-Toxic Bitter Coating: Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™ coin lithium batteries include a non-toxic bitter coating on the cell that helps discourage ingestion.
- World’s Only Colour Alert Technology: activates once saliva interacts with the battery, visibly dyeing the mouth blue to alert caregivers to act fast.
- NEW Ingestion Burn Protection: The world’s ONLY coin lithium batteries that prevents ingestion burns. They’re made with a proprietary, premium titanium alloy that stops any chemical reaction that could cause burning before it ever starts.
“As coin lithium batteries play an increasingly important role in powering everyday devices, it’s crucial we continue to innovate. Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™ does exactly that – it includes a revolutionary technology that eliminates the risk of ingestion burns, if a battery is swallowed by a child,” said Amanda Broderick – Senior Director, International Marketing at Energizer Holdings.
Alongside the development of battery technologies, ensuring batteries are safely stored, handled and disposed of in the home remains critical. Caregivers are encouraged to keep both new and used batteries secured in child-resistant storage, out of sight and reach. Used batteries should be handled with care, taped on both sides and disposed of or recycled promptly in a location inaccessible to children.
“Creating spaces for children starts with awareness. It can be easy to overlook how readily coin lithium batteries can make their way into the home. Simple steps like safe storage and proper disposal, alongside innovations from brands like Energizer, can make a meaningful difference in helping protect little ones,” said Dr Emma Watkins, Australian children’s entertainer.
Energizer is committed to raising awareness among caregivers about the risks associated with coin lithium battery ingestion, while continuing to advance battery solutions. Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™ represents a significant step forward in this space, featuring the world’s only coin lithium battery that prevents burns if swallowed.
Energizer® Ultimate Child Shield™ coin lithium batteries are available in leading stores and supermarkets nationwide.
