Energizer Introduces Safer AirTag Batteries with Child-Proof Features

The Hidden Danger of Coin Cell Batteries

Coin cell batteries, like the CR2032 used in Apple's AirTag, have long posed a serious risk to young children. If swallowed, these small, flat batteries can become lodged in a child's esophagus, where saliva triggers an alkaline reaction capable of causing severe internal burns in less than an hour. This danger led to the tragic death of a toddler in 2020, prompting Reese's Law in the United States and increased safety warnings from manufacturers. Now, Energizer has introduced a new battery designed specifically to mitigate these risks.

Energizer Child Shield: A Three-Pronged Safety Approach

Energizer's new Ultimate Child Shield coin lithium batteries are available in the common CR2032 size, making them a direct replacement for the battery inside Apple's AirTag. The company has engineered these batteries with three distinct safety features that address the primary concerns of accidental ingestion.

Non-Toxic Bitter Coating

The batteries are coated with a non-toxic bitter substance that discourages children from putting them in their mouths in the first place. If a child does place the battery near their lips, the unpleasant taste should prompt them to spit it out.

Blue Dye Alert System

Should a child manage to swallow the battery, an innovative safety measure activates: the battery contains a harmless dye that turns the mouth blue upon contact with saliva. This provides caregivers with a clear, visual warning that ingestion has occurred, enabling them to seek medical help immediately.

Ingestion Burn Prevention

Most critically, Energizer states that the Child Shield batteries are designed not to cause ingestion burns if swallowed. This is achieved through a proprietary chemistry and casing that prevents the short-circuit and alkaline reaction that leads to tissue damage.

The Background: AirTag Battery Safety Controversy

Since the AirTag's launch in 2021, concerns have been raised about its battery compartment. The tracker's back cover requires a press-and-twist motion to open, a two-step process Apple claimed met international child safety standards. However, a retailer in Australia stopped selling AirTags, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) warned parents to keep AirTags out of children's reach, stating the press-and-twist mechanism might not adequately prevent battery access.

In the U.S., Apple responded to the growing safety concerns by adding warning labels to AirTag packaging. The label explicitly notes that the coin-cell battery should be kept away from children due to the risk of injury or death. Additionally, the Find My app now displays a similar warning whenever a user changes the AirTag battery.

These measures were influenced by Reese's Law, a U.S. federal law named after a toddler who tragically died in 2020 after swallowing a coin-cell battery from a remote control. The law mandates stricter safety standards for button cell and coin cell batteries.

Compatibility Notes and Apple's Caution

Energizer's new batteries could alleviate many parents' fears about using AirTags for tracking keys, bags, or even pets. However, potential users should be aware of a specific warning from Apple. Apple has cautioned that batteries with a non-toxic bitter coating may not always work correctly with AirTags. The concern is that the coating could interfere with the electrical contacts, depending on its alignment. While Energizer has likely taken this into account, users are advised to test the battery to ensure it powers the AirTag reliably.

Where to Buy

The Energizer Ultimate Child Shield coin batteries are now available for purchase at retailers across the United States. They offer a promising solution for families who want the utility of an AirTag without compromising on child safety. While no battery should ever be left accessible to small children, these new batteries add an extra layer of protection that could save lives.