CHILDREN in St George and Sutherland Shire are among those who have been rushed to hospital after ingesting the small but deadly batteries.
A South East Sydney Local Health District spokeswoman said St George and Sutherland hospitals emergency departments did not keep figures on presentations resulting from ingesting the batteries.
But she said St George Hospital's head paediatrician could recall such cases in recent years and young victims would be transferred to Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick for treatment.
Although exact figures on incidents in this area are not known, most households would have items containing the batteries, which are found in children's toys and books.
The 2013 death of a Queensland girl, 4, prompted renewed warnings about the dangers of the batteries.
A Sydney mother said in February that her daughter, also 4, was lucky to be alive last year after she ingested one of the batteries.
Other serious injuries and deaths have been attributed to swallowing the batteries, which can burn a hole in a child's oesophagus in a matter of hours.
It is estimated between five and 10 children a week go to hospital emergency departments in Australia after swallowing a battery or inserting them in ears or noses.
Children under five are considered most at risk.
A child that ingests a battery may cough, drool or appear to suffer discomfort but others might not show any symptoms.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned about the dangers of the batteries and supported International Awareness Week on Button Battery Safety last month.
Energizer launched child-resistant packaging for the batteries earlier this year after consultation with the Kidsafe child accident prevention organisation.
Energizer had been working with Kidsafe since 2012 to raise awareness of the need to keep the batteries away from small children and what to do if ingested.
Kidsafe Queensland chief executive Susan Teerds said it was hoped child-resistant packaging would "help prevent further tragedies".
SAFETY TIPS
Dispose of used button batteries such as those pictured immediately. Flat batteries can still be dangerous.
Know which products in your home have button or coin batteries and keep these products away from children.
Examine devices containing the batteries and make sure the battery compartment is secure.
If you suspect a child has swallowed a button battery, immediately go to a hospital emergency room.
Do not let the child eat or drink and do not induce vomiting.
Has your child ever swallowed a button battery?
