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Now that the toys are unwrapped and ready to play with, take a look at the hazards some toys can present:
Button Batteries 
While most button battery ingestions are harmless, passing through the gut without a problem, in recent years the number of harmful or fatal battery ingestions has dramatically increased. Disastrous outcomes occur when batteries get stuck in the esophagus, usually in small children. Burns and life-threatening complications can occur if batteries aren't removed from the esophagus within 2 hours.
Tips for Protecting Young Children:
- Never leave batteries sitting out & don't insert or change batteries in front of small children
- Check all household devices to be certain the battery compartment is secured shut.
- Be especially cautious with any product that contains a battery that is as big as a penny or larger.
- The 20 mm diameter lithium cell is one of the most serious problems when swallowed. Imprint codes: CR2032, CR2025, CR2016
- Don't allow children to play with batteries or with battery powered products that have easily accessible batteries.
If anyone swallows a battery, here's what you should do:
- Call your local Poison Center in Texas right away at 1-800-222-1222.
- If readily available, provide the battery identification number, found on the package or from a matching battery.
- Do not induce vomiting. Do not eat or drink anything unless directed to do so by the Poison Specialist.
- Watch for fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in the stools. Report these symptoms immediately.
Magnets
More and more children have been swallowing the tiny "adult toy" magnets, leading to severe injury and even death. When a child swallows two or more magnets, the magnets can attract and meet each other within the child's body, causing digestive tissue to be trapped between them. This cuts off blood supply to the stomach or intestines. These internal injuries can be life-threatening. Prevention is key.
Here are some important tips to avoid poisoning:
- If magnet sets are used in the home, store them in a locked cabinet or box out of reach of children and pets. Be sure to discard them safely, too.
- Magnet sets should also be kept away from older children and individuals with developmental delay or the elderly with memory impairment.
- Choose refrigerator magnets that are large enough they cannot be swallowed or pose a choking hazard to children.
- Avoid the use of magnetic beads as fake body piercings.
- After use of magnets, count each piece to make sure none are missing.
If anyone swallows a magnet, here's what you should do:
- Do not try to make the person throw up.
- Do not give anything to drink or eat.
- Call your local Poison Center in Texas right away at 1-800-222-1222.
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Recent Cases
Jan. 4, 2016-- A 2-year-old girl ingested nine magnetized balls, similar to a now-banned toy called "Buckyballs."
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