Energizer Child Shield batteries for Apple AirTag and watches aim to protect children
Coin cell batteries are still widely used, not least because they are used in many remote controls, watches and in the Apple AirTag ($29 on Amazon). However, the very compact dimensions of these batteries mean that there is a risk that they can be swallowed by children.
In many cases, they simply end up in the stomach and are excreted without any health damage. However, if the battery gets stuck in the oesophagus, contact with saliva leads to the release of an electrical voltage, which in turn leads to a chemical reaction. In the worst case scenario, this can lead to oesophageal burns within a few hours, which can cause permanent damage and even be life-threatening. This is exactly what the new Energizer Ultimate Child Shield is designed to prevent, although Energizer does not go into detail about how this solution works technically.
However, the new Energizer coin cell batteries offer three additional features to protect children. Firstly, the bitter-tasting coating already familiar from older batteries, which is designed to encourage children to spit out batteries instead of swallowing them. Secondly, packaging that is very difficult for children to open. And thirdly, a "color alarm" - if the battery comes into contact with saliva, it turns the mouth blue in a few seconds, making it easier for parents to notice that a child has put a battery in their mouth and potentially swallowed it.
Prices and availability
Energizer offers batteries with Ultimate Child Shield in CR2016, CR2024 and CR2032 formats. Energizer has not yet confirmed when these batteries will be available in stores. Further details on the Ultimate Child Shield can be found on Energizer's website.
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