Food Coloring For Child-Safe Batteries

Highly concentrated food dye could alert parents to when children swallow batteries, helping them seek immediate medical attention.

AsianScientist (Jun 13, 2014) – Design lecturer Ok Jeongbin has hit upon a solution to minimise the damage of swallowing coin-sized, button cell lithium batteries, commonly found in electronic devices such as toys and remote controls, which can result in serious harm or death if not treated within two hours.

In collaboration with one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, Mr. Ok, who has qualifications in design and chemical engineering, has spent the last three years developing modifications to button batteries.

His invention involves applying a thin layer of highly concentrated food colouring to the surface of button batteries during production. The food colouring is activated by saliva.

“If a child swallows a battery it will immediately stain their mouth, so that caregivers know what has happened and can seek medical treatment immediately,” says Mr. Ok. “I hope that once the product is commercialised, it will become an industry standard.”

To assess the viability of his invention, Viclink, Victoria’s commercialisation office, helped Mr. Ok to identify a suitable partner, putting in place a joint development and licensing agreement. Mass production is expected to begin early next year.

Mr, Ok is also working on new packaging technology to keep loose batteries secure and provide a safe way of disposing of used batteries.

His research has led to Victoria University being the only academic institution to partner in a national and global initiative, called The Battery Controlled, which is focused on preventing children from swallowing button batteries.

———–

Source: Victoria University of Wellington.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

Asian Scientist Magazine is an award-winning science and technology magazine that highlights R&D news stories from Asia to a global audience. The magazine is published by Singapore-headquartered Wildtype Media Group.

Related Stories from Asian Scientist