The Dangers of Water Beads

In the last few years, water beads have become quite popular. Water beads are made from super- absorbent material that can swell to hundreds of times their original size when exposed to fluids. They are often sold as sensory toys for kids, gel projectiles for toy “gel blaster” guns, and decorations. If swallowed, they can expand inside the body and cause intestinal blockage and even death. They can also cause injury if placed in the ear or nose.   

Water beads in dehydrated form are often sold in sets of tens of thousands, which makes it more likely that misplaced water beads in the home will not be noticed until found by a young child, a group known for exploring their environment by placing objects in their mouth – especially objects like water beads that look like candy.

A recent study by the Center for Injury Research and Policy found that emergency department visits by children associated with water beads more than doubled from 2021 to 2022. This increase in emergency department visits occurred despite product recalls and safety standards, indicating that the current prevention strategies are not sufficient.

Many parents are not aware that water beads can be harmful to children. Parents and caregivers can keep their kids safer by following these tips about water beads:

• Keep water beads out of your home. If children younger than six years or individuals with developmental delays live in or visit your home, keep water beads out of your home. 

• Talk to childcare providers. Talk with your childcare directors, preschool teachers, therapists, and others who may be using water beads with young children. Tell them water beads are not safe to use with young children and those with developmental delays. Encourage them to use safer alternatives.

• Seek safer alternatives:

Sensory toys: There are many other safer sensory toy alternatives. These can be recommended by a child therapist or your family doctor.

Toy guns: Encourage children to use water guns instead of toy gel blaster guns. Eye injury can occur from the water bead projectiles, so protective eyewear should be used when using gel blasters. 

Decorations: Because it’s so easy to spill water beads when pouring them into vases, only to be discovered by a curious young child, consider using traditional decorations like wreaths, artificial flowers, or vases of flowers with just water. 

• Know how to find help. If a child swallows a water bead, their symptoms may be similar to many other health concerns and water beads are hard to detect with X-rays. If you think your child may have swallowed a water bead or put one in their nose or ear, especially if they are having symptoms, call your family doctor or visit an urgent care center or emergency department. Be sure to tell your healthcare team if you think your child swallowed a water bead or put one in their nose or ear.

Water beads can be appealing to children and adults because they’re colorful and look fun. But they can be dangerous around young children and people with developmental delays. Parents need to be aware of the potential for injury, make others aware of their dangers, consider safer alternatives, and know how to find help if they suspect an injury.