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Issues Paper Questions 1 - 7
7.
What other research and development activities are you aware of that are directed toward:
c. improving the medical approach to button battery ingestion or injury
I have conducted research looking at improving the medical approach to management of button battery ingestion injuries.
Issues Paper Questions 8-15
8.
Would a mandated safety standard for the security of battery compartments of products containing button batteries be likely to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by button batteries in Australia? Please provide the reasons for your response.
Provide your answer below.
Yes. It would make it less likely that button batteries could fall out of a product and be accessible to children.
10.
If it is your view that child resistant packaging and labelling requirements should be mandated, do you think this should apply to all button batteries regardless of size or chemistry? Please provide the reasons for your response.
Provide your answer below.
Yes - all button batteries have the potential to cause harm.
11.
In your view, should any consumer products containing button batteries be banned from supply in Australia? If yes, please provide the reasons for your response.
Provide your answer below.
If the batteries are adequately protected, then there is no need for the products to be banned.
12.
If any of these requirements were mandated in Australia, what additional cost would be imposed on Australian suppliers or a relevant supplier segment?
Provide your answer below.
The costs of re-packaging, production costs, product testing.
15.
Please provide any other information you consider may be relevant to the ACCC’s consideration of these issues.
Provide your answer below.
I am a Speech Pathologist, and completed a PhD looking at the injuries to children following button battery ingestion, and impact on oral intake. This research found that children suffer severe and lifelong impact following battery ingestion.