Dry cell batteries

Alternative names

Batteries - dry cell

Definition

Poisoning from a dry cell battery.

Poisonous Ingredient

• Acidic dry cell batteries
  o Manganese dioxide
  o Ammonium chloride
  
• Alkaline dry cell batteries
  o Sodium hydroxide
  o Potassium hydroxide
  

Where Found

Dry cell batteries, which are commonly found in most households
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.

Symptoms

Note that symptoms will vary depending on what type of battery is ingested (acidic or alkaline).

From chronically ingesting large amounts of acidic dry cell batteries:

• Decreased mental ability
  
• Irritation or burns in the mouth
  
• Muscle cramps
  
• Slurred speech
  
• Swelling of the lower legs, ankles, or feet
  
• Weakness
  
• Nervous system
  
• Spastic walk
  
• Spasticity
  
• Tremor
  

From inhaling large amounts of the acidic battery contents dust or smoke from burning batteries:

• Body as a whole
  o Decreased mental ability
  o Difficulty sleeping
  o Muscle cramps
  o Slurred speech
  o Weakness in the legs
  
• Respiratory
  o Bronchitis
  o Headache
  o Pneumonia
  
• Itching skin
  
• Nervous system
  o Numbness of the fingers or toes
  o Spastic walk
  

From ingesting alkaline battery contents:

• Body as a whole
  o Severe pain in the mouth
  o Collapse
  
• Inability to breathe due to the throat swelling shut
  
• Severe pain in the throat
  
• Gastrointestinal
  o Severe abdominal pain
  o Diarrhea
  o Vomiting
  o Drooling
  
• Rapid drop in blood pressure