A new button battery from Energizer could be a complete game changer for parents of young kids. Lithium button batteries have become increasingly more popular and can be found in anything from small toys to household items like thermometers and even smartwatches. As a result, more and more young children are having to be treated after ingesting these small batteries. Now Energizer's new battery would alert parents if their kids happen to swallow one.
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These new button batteries use a "color alert technology" where the dotted negative underside of the battery releases a nontoxic, food grade blue dye when it comes in contact with moisture, like saliva. The company states that the dye contains "approximately as much dye as an ounce of a sports drink" and disappearance will depend on how much the mouth is rinsed.
It is important to remember that since the color alert is activated by moisture, this means all moisture, including wet hands, count. Additionally, the bitter coating and dye are only good for one use, so if they are removed, the battery should be thrown away. The dye can stain items, but wiping them with a damp cloth, blotting with a paper towel, or rinsing may help.
