From the Research
Touching a button battery with perchlorates is generally not dangerous for brief skin contact, but caution is still advised. The main danger from button batteries comes from ingestion or insertion into body orifices, not from external skin contact, as highlighted in a study published in 2018 1. Perchlorates in batteries are typically sealed inside, so minimal exposure occurs from touching the outside of an intact battery. However, if a battery is damaged or leaking, avoid contact as the internal chemicals can be corrosive and potentially harmful.
Key Considerations
- The perchlorate compounds in batteries can interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland with significant exposure, but casual contact with intact batteries poses minimal risk, as noted in various studies 2, 3, 4.
- If battery contents contact your skin, flush the area thoroughly with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention if irritation develops.
- It is crucial to prioritize caution and take preventive measures to avoid ingestion or insertion of button batteries, especially in children, as emphasized in a study from 2018 4 and another from 2016 5.
Recommendations
- If you touch a button battery, simply wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward.
- Be aware of the potential risks associated with button batteries, particularly ingestion or insertion, and take steps to prevent such incidents.
- In case of any concerns or exposure to battery contents, seek medical attention promptly to minimize potential complications.