Most toys still need alkaline batteries to function. Toys are generally safe for kids, but the instance their batteries get corroded, it already poses a health hazard. Are you aware of the signs of battery corrosion in toys to watch out for?
You don’t want your kids to be next to a toy that can potentially harm them and cause the injuries from battery corrosion like the following:
- Chemical Burns
Chemicals in corroded batteries can cause mild to severe chemical burns if it comes in contact with bare skin. Thus, you should clean the corroded batteries with a clean cloth and avoid handling them with your bare hands. If you’re unsure how to handle corroded batteries, this guide to corrosion cleaning will help mitigate further accidents.
Trace amounts of the chemicals from battery leakage may result in skin itching and irritation. If your skin comes in contact with a leaking battery, wash the area with water. Eye exposure to the chemicals in a battery leak is serious and requires thoroughly washing the area and visiting a physician. Some people may also have coughing fits when exposed to corroded batteries.
Visit your doctor or an emergency room in case these issues arise.
- Poisoning
If ingested or inhaled, corroded batteries can also cause poisoning. Experiencing abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and diarrhea is a symptom of poisoning. If battery chemicals are ingested, go to an emergency room immediately.
Battery Corrosion in Toys to Watch Out For
Before any of this happens, this guide to battery corrosion in toys can give you an idea on what to watch out for:
1. Slow Start of The Toy
As time goes by, the components of the battery may wear out and become less effective, especially if the toy is not being used. When this happens, it takes slower for a battery to operate the machinery of the toy, and you may have to wait several minutes or seconds for it to start.
A slow start is usually indicative that a battery is failing or corroded.
2. Bad Smell
Damage to the battery or an internal short can cause the battery to leak fumes. If you smell something metallic mixed with the smell of rotten eggs, you should open the toy and see if the battery has any sign of corrosion.
Remove the battery immediately and replace it as soon as possible.
3. Misshapened Battery
Usually, if the battery is very old and has been left in the toy for too long, it gets misshapened. A battery only has a certain lifespan, and exposure to extreme heat and cold affect the battery, causing it to swell, crack, and get corroded.
If you notice that the batteries are already misshapened with a powdery substance on it, it may not work for your toy any longer.
4. An Old Battery
As mentioned, a battery that’s left on a toy for too long gets corroded. You should ask yourself when was the last time your kids have used their toys and when was the last time they replaced the batteries.
A battery will last depending on how much you use it. Climate, electronic demands of the toy, and usage, all play a role in the lifespan of your battery. If your battery is very old and the toy is seldom in use, the battery may have leaked, and it’s good to check the battery compartment before using your toy anew.
5. Water Damage
Corrosions can also happen after water damage, so if your electronic toy has been accidentally thrown in the water, it may cause the batteries to leak and get corroded over time. Water and electronics usually don’t mix, so if there’s water in your toy, carefully remove the batteries.
Electronic devices deteriorate in water, so if you have any doubts, talk to a professional and see what they can do for your device.
6. Signs of Leakage
A battery is obviously corroded when you already see signs of leakage. When an alkaline battery works and releases power, the chemicals inside create a gas. If this happens too often, the battery cell ruptures, and leakage occurs. Usually, the battery seal prevents this.
Normal use shouldn’t cause a battery to leak since the cells should be sturdy enough to hold the gases inside.
Leakage happens when a battery is left in a device for a long period of time. A device that’s still left unused periodically gauges its remaining power. This puts a certain amount of stress on the battery, putting it at a greater risk for leakage.
7. White Powder
Sometimes you’ll see a powdery substance forming on your batteries, and this substance is called potassium carbonate, which is an electrolyte (potassium hydroxide) that reacted with O2.
When you see this substance on your battery, it’s already totally unsuitable. You should note that Potassium carbonate is a very strong alkaline. If there’s skin contact, there’s a chance of chemical burns.
Final Thoughts
Toys are fun to play with, but they have parts that can be health hazards if not taken care of properly. There comes an age when children will outgrow their toys and will just let them linger in the storage. Remove batteries promptly after long term disuse because there’s a big chance that the batteries inside will corrode and leak.
