Advisory

2006-41
June 01, 2006
For immediate release

Health Canada warns Canadians about unsafe counterfeit household batteries

OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising consumers to exercise caution when purchasing batteries and to inspect any batteries they already possess, as there has been an increase of potentially unsafe counterfeit household batteries (AA, AAA, D etc.) being sold in the Canadian marketplace.

Counterfeit batteries are usually imitations of well-known brands. Unlike legitimate batteries, counterfeits are usually of poor quality and do not meet industry standards designed to protect the public from unsafe conditions.

Since January 2000, Health Canada has received 86 reports of batteries that have exploded, leaked, or overheated. 41 have been in toys or products used by children. Eight children have received burns. Many of these incidents may have involved counterfeits. These batteries present a higher risk of malfunction, mainly because they are not constructed with adequate vent holes, a safety feature that allows a means to release excess pressure. In addition, counterfeit batteries often contain mercury, a heavy metal that can damage the central nervous system when ingested and can harm the environment when the batteries are discarded.

Counterfeit batteries typically do not have the same life-span as legitimate ones. It is especially important to use high quality, long-life batteries when replacing batteries in safety devices such as smoke alarms.

When purchasing batteries, consumers are advised to look for the following signs that the product may be counterfeit:

• Inspect the items closely. Avoid products with misspelled words on the packaging and the product. Also check for poor print and packaging quality.
• Purchase batteries from reputable establishments. Reputable establishments are more likely to have refund or exchange policies, and are less likely to carry counterfeit batteries.
• Watch out for unusually low prices. This may be the best indicator the product is counterfeit.

If consumers already possess batteries they suspect to be counterfeit or if the batteries become unusually hot or begin to expand, deform or leak, they should stop using them immediately and dispose of them as household hazardous waste (local municipalities can provide instructions on how to dispose of household hazardous waste). Until the batteries are appropriately disposed of, they should be stored out of the reach of children, away from sources of heat or flame and in such a manner that they are not touching each other or any metal object.

If used improperly, non-counterfeit batteries can also pose a health risk. Consumers should always follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions, as well as the instructions for the battery-powered product.

Health Canada has published Guidelines for the Safe Use of Household Batteries

For further information, consumers can contact the Health Canada Product Safety office nearest them, by calling 1-866-662-0666 toll-free, or e-mail
cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca (if contacting via e-mail, please indicate the province or territory from which you are corresponding).

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Media Inquiries:
Nathalie Lalonde
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803

Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709