CPSC Warning About Flameless Candles

A recent safety warning issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is raising serious concerns about the dangers of coin batteries in household products after regulators identified a potentially dangerous flameless candle set sold to consumers.

The warning involves certain flameless candles that contain accessible button cell batteries, which can pose a life-threatening ingestion hazard for young children. Safety officials say the product fails to comply with federal safety requirements designed to protect children from these dangerous batteries.

Coin-sized batteries are commonly used in small household electronics, including remote controls, toys, and decorative products like flameless candles. But when these batteries become accessible, they can create an extremely serious hazard for children.

Why Button Cell Batteries Are So Dangerous

Button cell batteries may appear small and harmless, but they can cause catastrophic injuries if swallowed. When a child ingests one of these batteries, it can become lodged in the throat or esophagus.

When this occurs, the battery can react with saliva and create an electrical current that produces a strong chemical reaction. This reaction can burn through tissue in a matter of hours.

Medical experts warn that swallowed coin batteries can cause:

• severe internal burns
• damage to the esophagus
• breathing complications
• internal bleeding
• long-term organ damage
• death in severe cases

These injuries can occur rapidly, often before parents realize what has happened.

Federal Safety Law Requires Secure Battery Compartments

Due to the growing number of child injuries linked to button cell batteries, Congress passed Reese’s Law, which requires stronger safety protections for consumer products containing these batteries.

The law was named after a child who tragically died after swallowing a button battery.

Under the law, products containing coin batteries must include:

• secure battery compartments that children cannot easily open
• warning labels about ingestion hazards
• packaging requirements to inform consumers of the risks

Products that fail to meet these safety requirements can create serious dangers for families.

Products Sold Online Continue to Raise Safety Concerns

Many products containing coin batteries are sold online through major marketplaces such as Amazon and other large retailers.

While many manufacturers comply with safety regulations, regulators continue to identify products that violate federal safety standards. In some cases, companies fail to respond to safety concerns raised by regulators.

When hazardous products remain available for sale, families may unknowingly purchase items that put children at risk.

What Parents Should Do

Parents and caregivers should regularly inspect household items that use button cell batteries to ensure the battery compartments are secure.

If a product allows easy access to the battery, it may pose a serious safety risk.

Families should:

• keep products with coin batteries out of reach of children
• ensure battery compartments are securely closed
• dispose of loose batteries safely
• seek immediate medical help if a battery ingestion is suspected

Medical experts stress that swallowing a coin battery is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.

When Dangerous Consumer Products Lead to Legal Claims

Manufacturers have a responsibility to design products that are safe for consumers—especially when those products may be accessible to children.

When companies fail to follow safety laws or design products that allow children access to dangerous batteries, serious injuries can occur.

Product liability claims involving button battery injuries may arise when companies fail to:

• design secure battery compartments
• provide proper warnings about ingestion hazards
• comply with federal safety regulations
• remove dangerous products from the market

KBD represents individuals and families harmed by dangerous consumer products. When defective products cause preventable injuries, legal action can help hold manufacturers accountable and encourage stronger safety standards. Contact us today to learn about your rights.