Water bead-related emergency room visits increased over 130% in just one year, with a majority of cases involving children, according to a new study.
Water beads are small colorful balls made of polymer that expand significantly when exposed to water, as outlined by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Despite their harmless appearance, they can lead to internal injuries, death, and even contain carcinogens like acrylamide.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Center for Injury Research and Policy and Central Ohio Poison Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio, highlights a rise in emergency room visits due to water beads, indicating a need for more effective preventive measures.
Dr. Gary Smith, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of a comprehensive regulatory approach to address the risks associated with water beads, irrespective of the target audience.
In a span from 2007 to 2022, there were approximately 8,159 ER visits among individuals under 20 years old related to water beads, with children under the age of 5 accounting for 55% of the cases.
The ingestion of water beads was the primary reason for admission, with other cases involving insertion into ears or nose, or eye injuries. Young children under 5 were particularly vulnerable to ingesting water beads.
Given the expanding nature of water beads and their difficulty to detect with X-rays, Dr. Smith emphasized the need to revise safety standards to address the unique risks they pose to children.
Lawmakers have introduced “Esther’s Law,” named after a child who tragically died after swallowing a water bead, to ban dangerous water beads in the market and protect children from harm.
Until regulations are enforced, it is crucial for parents to remove water beads from children’s environments and remain vigilant about the safety of their toys.
Dr. Marcel Casavant, a co-author of the study, urged parents to educate themselves about the potential dangers of water beads, especially if young children are present in their homes or surroundings.
