Household Batteries Can Cause Chemical Burns

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Household Batteries Can Cause Chemical Burns

CPSC Document #5088

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that approximately 3,700 people a year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for battery-related chemical burns. Approximately 20 percent of people treated in hospital emergency rooms for battery-related chemical burns are children under the age of 16.

Household batteries can overheat and rupture in several ways:

1. RE-CHARGING THE WRONG BATTERY OR USING THE WRONG CHARGER.

If you try to re-charge a battery not intended to be re-charged, the battery can overheat and rupture. If you have a rechargeable battery, be sure to use the proper battery charger intended for the size and type of battery you have. Do not use an automobile battery charger to recharge flashlight batteries because the batteries could rupture.

2. MIXING BATTERIES.

If you use alkaline and carbon-zinc batteries together in the same appliance or if you mix old batteries with new freshly-charged ones in the same appliance, the batteries can overheat and rupture. Always use a complete set of new batteries of the same type when replacing batteries.

3. PUTTING BATTERIES IN BACKWARDS.

If a battery is reversed (positive end where the negative end belongs and vice versa), it can overheat and rupture. This has happened when young children install batteries backwards. Warn children not to take out batteries or install them. Parents should install batteries in household appliances and children's toys.

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