Portland, Maine – Pediatric emergency physicians are warning parents across Maine to closely inspect Christmas gifts after a hidden accessory found in many common items has sent children to emergency rooms with severe internal injuries.
Doctors say the danger is often not obvious. The risk comes from a small, easily overlooked component found inside many toys, electronics, greeting cards, and novelty gifts. During the Christmas season, these items enter homes in large numbers, increasing the chance that young children may access parts not intended for them.
Emergency physicians report that when the item is swallowed, injuries can begin developing within hours. Children may initially show subtle symptoms, including drooling, vomiting, coughing, chest discomfort, refusal to eat, or unusual irritability. In some cases, symptoms are mistaken for a minor illness, delaying treatment.
Doctors say delays can be dangerous. The object can cause severe internal damage quickly, sometimes requiring emergency procedures and hospitalization.
Hospitals often see a rise in these cases during the holidays, when battery-powered toys, decorations, and novelty items are more common. Loose packaging, unsecured compartments, or discarded accessories can increase the risk, particularly for infants and toddlers.
Midway through treatment, physicians frequently identify the cause: a button-style battery, a small, round battery used in many household items. When swallowed, it can trigger a chemical reaction that burns through tissue, leading to serious complications.
Parents and caregivers are urged to immediately check new gifts, secure battery compartments, and safely dispose of spare or used batteries. Any missing battery should be treated as a medical emergency.
If ingestion is suspected, caregivers should seek immediate medical attention or contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
Health officials stress that awareness is the most effective prevention — especially at Christmas, when unfamiliar items fill homes and young children explore freely.
