Small coin lithium batteries rarely grab attention in the tech world, but a recent innovation is changing that. The company has unveiled an advanced Ultimate Child Shield line for its 20mm coin models, specifically engineered to minimize dangers if a youngster swallows one. These enhanced batteries prevent esophageal burns upon ingestion and include a special dye that turns the mouth blue upon mixing with saliva, alerting adults to the incident.
Energizer's announcement highlights that the United States sees over 3,500 cases of coin lithium battery swallowing annually. Conventional versions can lead to tissue damage in the esophagus in as little as 15 minutes after being swallowed, while the dye in the new ones enables prompt detection by parents or guardians, facilitating immediate medical intervention. The Ultimate Child Shield feature appears in the firm's 2032, 2025, and 2016 sizes, suitable for powering items such as timepieces and location trackers like AirTags.