LONG ISLAND, N.Y. (PIX11) — With the holiday season upon us, a Long Island doctor warns parents about the dangers of tiny batteries getting into the hands of young children. Many of them are found in toys.
Dr. Neha Patel started a wall of shame where she stores items she’s removed from children’s bodies over the years, among them lithium button batteries.
These objects are in everyday household items like remotes, calculators, watches, and children’s toys. They are stronger and can cause damage a lot faster than most batteries. Effects can happen within 15 minutes and can cause permanent damage within a couple of hours.
As Director of Quality at LIJ, Dr. Patel began an initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of children swallowing button batteries after noticing a sudden spike in cases.
The rates have also increased nationally. According to…