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Dry cell battery poisoning - Overview

Alternative Names

Batteries - dry cell

Definition of Dry cell battery poisoning:

Dry cell batteries are a common type of power source. Tiny dry cell batteries are sometimes called button batteries.

This article discusses the harmful effects from swallowing a dry cell battery (including button batteries) or breathing in large amounts of dust or smoke from burning batteries.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Poisonous Ingredient:

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

Where Found:

Dry cell batteries are used to power a variety of different items. Small dry cell batteries may be used to power watches and calculators, while larger ones (for example, size "D" batteries) can be used in items such as flashlights.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/2/2011
  • Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Hostetler MA. Gastrointestinal disorders. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 170.

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