Batteries and Magnets - Small Dangers at a Child's Fingertips.

Small batteries and magnets, such as those found in children's toys, musical gift cards, and novelty desk toys, can pose a life-threatening risk if swallowed. The West Virginia Poison Center offers these tips to prevent children from swallowing them:

• Do not allow small children to play with or have access to button batteries.
• If young children are in the home, do not purchase magnetic toys or desk novelties made out of magnets.
• Ensure children's toys have a secured compartment for batteries.
• Keep all adult products containing accessible batteries or magnets away and out of reach of children.
• If ingestion of a battery or magnet occurs, immediately call the West Virginia Poison center at 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.