Research and analysis
Emerging technologies in the field of button battery safety
A literature review.
Documents
Details
The ingestion of button batteries by children is a growing concern amongst both the public and Government. The Office for Product Safety and Standards is undertaking wide-ranging work to review and improve their safety.
This report considers emerging button battery technologies grouped in 3 categories:
- bitterant-based and diagnostic methods
- reactive safety technologies
- safe-by-design methods
For each innovation, the report outlines:
- the approach to minimising harm
- the mechanism of physical or chemical action
- the efficacy and effectiveness in reducing harm
- the stage of research and development or commercialisation
For each technology category, the report discusses the current barriers to adoption into the market.
Updates to this page
Published 10 November 2025