Emergency doctors in the UK have issued an urgent safety warning regarding water beads, which could be gifted to children this Christmas.
These brightly coloured, soft plastic beads – also known as jelly balls, sensory beads, or water crystals – are commonly marketed as crafting tools, homeware items, and toys.
However, experts are cautioning parents and carers about the hidden dangers they pose, particularly to young children.
Water beads, often used for sensory play or decoration, are typically only a few millimetres in size. However, when exposed to liquid, they can absorb water and expand up to 400 times their original size in approximately 36 hours.
This rapid expansion can create a dangerous choking hazard or cause serious internal injuries if a child swallows one.
The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) has issued a “safety flash” to doctors, alerting them to be on the lookout for symptoms of water bead ingestion.
They are urging parents and carers to ensure that these beads are kept far out of reach of children aged five and under.
“Having seen the effects first-hand, which can be devastating and detrimental, we are asking people to please think twice about the dangers these pose while selecting and gifting presents this season,” Dr. Salwa Malik, vice president of the RCEM, told PA Media.
The warning comes after reports of children suffering from severe harm after ingesting water beads. While the beads are not visible on X-rays, they can cause serious bowel obstructions, which, in some cases, can lead to life-threatening consequences.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) also confirmed in September that water beads have been linked to deaths overseas, highlighting the severity of the threat.
Emergency doctors are stressing that if there is any suspicion that a child has swallowed a water bead, immediate medical attention should be sought.
Delays in treatment can lead to more severe complications, as the beads’ expansion can block the intestines, leading to pain, vomiting, and potentially dangerous infections.
In addition to water beads, the RCEM alert also highlights other common household items, such as button or coin batteries and magnets, which pose a similar threat to children and vulnerable adults if swallowed.
The RCEM has urged parents to be particularly cautious when selecting toys or gifts for young children, as these small objects can be easily ingested and cause serious harm.
While water beads are marketed for their fun and sensory appeal, experts are reminding parents that not all toys are safe for young children, and it is crucial to read product warnings carefully.
For children under five, beads and small objects should be kept out of reach, and parents should ensure that any toy containing such items is used under strict supervision.
With the holiday season fast approaching, emergency doctors are calling for greater awareness of the potential dangers associated with popular gifts like water beads.
As Dr. Malik warned, the consequences of such incidents can be tragic, and parents should exercise caution when selecting presents for young children this Christmas.
