Lithium batteries are disposable batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode. They stand apart from other batteries in their high charge density，meaning long life, and high cost per unit. Nowadays lithium battery industry is undergoing rapid expansion representing the largest segment of the portable battery industry and dominating the computer, cell phone, and camera power source industry. However, the present secondary batteries use expensive components, which are not in sufficient supply to allow the industry to grow at the same rate in the next decade. Moreover, the safety of the system is questionable for the large scale batteries needed for hybrid electric vehicles.

Since lithium batteries are often small in size and if accessible, children will easily put them in their mouths, which will lead to chocking, soft tissue burns and perforration of the oesophagus. There are statistics that each year, on average, about three children are sent to hospital every day as a result of accidentally swallowing objects, like lithium batteries. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you use lithium batteries safely. The following are some tips as to how to make safe use of lithium batteries.

First, you should put no loose Polymer Lithium ion Battery within children’s reach. Since lithium batteries are small in size and somehow do look like candies to children, children, out of great curiosity, will easily put these batteries in their mouths. And likewise, when changing batteries, it is better for you to do it on a surface out of the reach of your children.

Second, quite a lot of children like removing the cover of electronic devices which is dangerous if they accidentally swallow the inside components. Thus if you have devices that use NI-MH Battery, it is really necessary for you to make sure that the cover is perfectly placed in its position.

Third, the storage of lithium batteries also requires your attention. You should store them like you do with medication, namely, out of your children’s reach. When lithium NI-CD Rechargeable Battery are worn out, it is not a wise choice for you to throw them carelessly into a dustbin. You should keep them safely out of children’s reach before disposing them through a safe environment disposal system. You can ask your local council for the nearest location to dispose batteries safely.

Last, if you’re suspicious that your child has swallowed a lithium battery, or place one in the nose, you should seek medical attention immediately. It is not wise to give any food or water.