Batteries in Toys

Batteries contain harmful substances, like acids and heavy metals. If batteries are not correctly used, stored and discarded, these harmful substances may leak, or the batteries may overheat or burst. If batteries are swallowed, they may be poisonous, requiring immediate medical attention.

Always supervise children when they play and teach them how to play safely.

Safety tips

• Only adults should charge batteries. Battery chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
• Check that young children cannot open a toy's battery compartment.
• Do not allow a child to take a battery-operated toy to bed. Burns and other injuries could result from batteries leaking or overheating.
• Call a doctor or poison control centre immediately if a child swallows a battery. Batteries can be poisonous.

For more information

More about the safe use of batteries:

• Health Canada Urges Consumer Caution This Holiday Season
• Holiday and Winter Safety Video
• Batteries: Use Them Safely
  A fact sheet on how to properly install, use and discard batteries.

General information about the safe use of children's products:

• Toys and Toy Boxes
  Information about how to avoid risks and safely use toys and toy boxes.
• Is Your Child Safe?
  A practical guide to help parents keep their children safe and avoid common childhood hazards.
• Safety with Radar
  An activity booklet for children, highlighting key safety messages.
• Information for Shoppers of Second-hand Products
  This guide helps shoppers to be aware of potential hazards that second-hand products may pose.
• For Industry and Professionals
  An index page providing information on related guidance and regulations intended for industry and professional audiences.

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