Minnesota Poison Center Issues Warning Parents Should See

The Minnesota Regional Poison Center reported earlier this week they have been receiving calls from parents whose children had swallowed something interesting and dangerous. 

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Water Beads! 

What Are Water Beads? 

Water Beads are sold as water absorbing gel beads that are sold as sensory toys. They are also used in vases and gardens to add color, and they are dangerous for children. 

These beads are made of absorbent polymer chemicals, and they can expand to one hundred times their original size. The water beads can also absorb body chemicals while expanding inside their body and create blockages, which can be life threatening. Another challenge with Water Beads, they may not appear on an X-Ray if your child has to go to the hospital. 

For younger children, these beads could also cause the child to choke as well. 

The website Healthy Children says that the US Consumer Product Safety Commission says that the beads contain higher amounts of acrylamide than approved U.S. safety standard levels.  

Signs Your Child Has Swallowed Water Beads? 

Look for your child: 

• Not want to eat 

• Be Lethargic 

• Drooling 

• Vomiting 

• Wheezing 

• Complaining of something stuck in their throat or chest 

• Stomach/Abdominal Pain 

• Swelling of the Abdomen 

• Constipation 

Why Does This Happen? 

The colorful beads look appealing to kids and could be thought of as candy.  Due to their size, kids have also put the beads in their ears which requires a trip to the hospital. 

Water Beads are also known as jelly beads, hydro orbs, crystal soil and gel beads. 

Even if this doesn’t apply to you, now is a good time to put the number for the Minnesota Regional Poison Center in your phone. That number is 1-800-222-1222.