18 November 2024 – Europe must do more to protect its children from the dangers of swallowing Button Batteries
18 November – The European Academy of Paediatrics (EAP) has issued an urgent appeal to the European Commission and Parliament to strengthen safety measures for button batteries following the tragic death of a 17-month-old child in Siena, Italy. The ingestion of button batteries poses a grave and preventable risk to young children, causing severe injuries and fatalities across Europe.
EAP President, Professor Berthold Koletzko, highlighted critical areas for improvement, including child-proof battery compartments, mandatory child-safe packaging, public awareness campaigns, and the development of safer battery technologies. Additionally, EAP calls for a unified European surveillance system to track and address button battery-related injuries.
Button batteries are ubiquitous in households, powering everyday devices such as remote controls and toys. However, without proper safety measures, they remain a hidden danger to children under six years old.
The EAP urges swift action from EU policymakers to prioritise child safety and prevent further tragedies.
Read the full Letter here.
Click on the image to read the full letter.