MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Dry cell batteries

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Dry cell batteries

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Poisonous Ingredient Where Found Symptoms	Home Treatment Before Calling Emergency Poison Control, or a local emergency number What to expect at the emergency room Expectations (prognosis)

Alternative names

Batteries - dry cell

Definition Return to top

Poisoning from a dry cell battery.

Poisonous Ingredient Return to top

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

Where Found Return to top

Dry cell batteries, which are commonly found in most households

Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms Return to top

Note that symptoms will vary depending on what type of battery is ingested (acidic or alkaline).

From chronically ingesting large amounts of acidic dry cell batteries:

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

From inhaling large amounts of the acidic battery contents dust or smoke from burning batteries:

Body as a whole
- Decreased mental ability
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle cramps
- Slurred speech
- Weakness in the legs
Respiratory
Itching skin
Nervous system
- Numbness of the fingers or toes
- Spastic walk

From ingesting alkaline battery contents:

Body as a whole
- Severe pain in the mouth
- Collapse
Inability to breathe due to the throat swelling shut
Severe pain in the throat
Gastrointestinal
- Severe abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Drooling
Rapid drop in blood pressure

Home Treatment Return to top

Do not induce vomiting. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or local emergency number (such as 911).

If the battery was swallowed, give water or milk.

If inhaled, take the patient outdoors to fresh air.

Before Calling Emergency Return to top

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 Return to top

The Poison Control or local emergency telephone representative will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. The national Poison Control hotline can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

Take the container with you to the emergency room.

What to expect at the emergency room Return to top

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Treatment of symptoms
Monitoring of vital signs
Supportive care

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

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

Update Date: 5/23/2003

Updated by: Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.