Energizer "Color Alert" coin batteries

[opus1]

The key fob for the Sonata stopped working so I replaced the battery with a spare one I had, and then the next trip to the store I purchased a new pack since that was my last spare battery. I didn't notice that Energizer now has pigment dots on the batteries that activate on contact with saliva/moisture so if little Johnny swallows one, the pigment will activate the dye on/around the mouth will let you know that you should seek medical attention. This is a new feature to go with the Bitrex coating and a package that requires a chisel to open to keep the things child-safe.

I did some investigation and my concern is that there have been complaints of the pigment activating due to someone handling the battery with "clammy hands", and since the key fob is not sealed like a watch is, will summer humidity cause the stuff to activate? I still have the receipt so I'll be returning them and getting another brand, but I have a feeling that everyone else will start doing this at some point.

Has anyone used one of these batteries and are my concerns legit?

Energizer "Color Alert"

 

[kschachn]

The key fob for the Sonata stopped working so I replaced the battery with a spare one I had, and then the next trip to the store I purchased a new pack since that was my last spare battery. I didn't notice that Energizer now has pigment dots on the batteries that activate on contact with saliva/moisture so if little Johnny swallows one, the pigment will activate the dye on/around the mouth will let you know that you should seek medical attention. This is a new feature to go with the Bitrex coating and a package that requires a chisel to open to keep the things child-safe.

I did some investigation and my concern is that there have been complaints of the pigment activating due to someone handling the battery with "clammy hands", and since the key fob is not sealed like a watch is, will summer humidity cause the stuff to activate? I still have the receipt so I'll be returning them and getting another brand, but I have a feeling that everyone else will start doing this at some point.

Has anyone used one of these batteries and are my concerns legit?

Energizer "Color Alert"

I don’t understand what happens when the pigment “activates”, does it damage the device somehow?

 

[crashz]

I think you need a liquid like saliva to make the dye flow. But yeah, a light rain may provide that liquid and cause your key fob to leak colored water.

 

[opus1]

I don’t understand what happens when the pigment “activates”, does it damage the device somehow?

I think the company's intent is that it won't activate in the device, but they then back-pedal a bit and say that any moisture can activate the dye, including humid environments. That doesn't give me a confident feeling.

 

[CleanSump]

If you have water in the key fob activating the dye you have a bigger problem than just the dye.

 

[dishdude]

I wouldn't be concerned, it'll be fine.

Anyone with small children or pets in their house, keep these things locked up. If one of these button batteries are swallowed, it can burn through the esophagus and stomach liner.

 

[CleanSump]

But the dye won't be toxic since it's purpose is to activate if placed in mouth or swallowed.

 

[R18Civic]

Nothing like eating batteries for a snack.

 

[dishdude]

Nothing like eating batteries for a snack.

Little kids put everything in their mouths. These button batteries cause terrible burns to the esophagus and stomach.

 

[Pew]

"Oh great, little johnny ate another sharpie."

 

[4wd]

Nothing like eating batteries for a snack.

Yes, low energy right after lunch

 

[nthach]

The bike/tri and scuba worlds say to avoid Duracell CRxxxx batteries due to their coating that will not play nice with certain speed/cadence sensors, heart rate monitors or dive computers. I have a feeling these will be next - a harmless idea but what if water or sweat evades a battery compartment seal and stains rhe device/your clothes?

I already buy Panasonic or AmazonBasics CR2032 cells made by FDK in Indonesia - no coating.

 

[f355spider]

The bike/tri and scuba worlds say to avoid Duracell CRxxxx batteries due to their coating that will not play nice with certain speed/cadence sensors, heart rate monitors or dive computers. I have a feeling these will be next - a harmless idea but what if water or sweat evades a battery compartment seal and stains rhe device/your clothes?

I already buy Panasonic or AmazonBasics CR2032 cells made by FDK in Indonesia - no coating.

I have run into this issue with Duracell Lithium coin cells and Apple Air Tags, but also car remotes as well. Very simple solution, wipe them off with an alcohol prep pad before use. This removes the coating and they work perfectly fine. I decided alcohol prep pads are a good idea with any freshly installed battery. Clean the battery and the contacts in the device as well.

A box of 100 alcohol prep pads are super cheap at the drug store... $3.00