Swallowed magnets are dangerous

Warning! SWALLOWED MAGNETS ARE DANGEROUS

Powerful, rare earth (neodymium) magnets are widely available in consumer and industrial products

o Desk or office toys

o Toys

o Office supplies

o Jewelry

o Pain relief products

o Machines and tools

 

§ These magnets usually are small in size and round in shape, like BBs or ball bearings. Magnet ball brand names include BuckyBalls™ and Neocube™

§ Though intended for adult use, they are difficult to keep out of the reach of children

o Shiny and attractive to toddlers

o Used by “tweens” and teens to mimic body piercing jewelry

 

§ Extremely powerful magnetic attractions are produced

o When more than one magnet is swallowed, the magnetic force can bring two pieces of intestine tightly together, and make holes in the intestines

 

 

§ Magnet ingestion can lead to bowel injury, blockage or severe infection

o Over 200 documented cases of children swallowing these magnets

o Most require emergency procedures for removal

o Some require major surgery

 

 

What can parents do?

o Keep tiny ultra-powerful magnets out of the reach of infants and toddlers

o Educate your older children and teens about the risks of swallowing these magnets. These magnets are not children’s toys.

o If your toddler or child swallows these magnets, immediately call your doctor or go to the emergency department. 

HT: Don Cameron

Paediatric Gastroenterologist Royal Children Hospital, Melbourne, Australia