In the News
A new study found that more than 8,000 visits to U.S. emergency departments (EDs) occurred from 2007 through 2022 due to water beads. Most of the ED visits involved children swallowing the beads or putting them in their nose or ear. According to Todd Zimmerman, D.O., a pediatric emergency medicine physician and medical director at Pediatrix® Emergency Medicine of Nevada, if swallowed, these beads can expand inside the gastrointestinal tract and cause bowel obstructions and even death. "Additionally, they can represent a choking risk and may contain toxic chemicals," said Dr. Zimmerman. "Some children put toys in their mouth without having the intention of swallowing them, but it just happens. Some children may also think it's funny to swallow a toy. And, of course, some may mistake it for candy."
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