Water Beads: Harmful if Swallowed, Put in Ears

 

-Οι χάντρες (πέρλες) που απορροφούν το νερό και χρησιμοποιούνται σε βάζα και κήπους ( ή ακόμα πωλούνται ως παιχνίδια αισθήσεων) μπορεί να είναι πολύ επικίνδυνες για τα μικρά παιδιά. Κατασκευασμένα από υπεραπορροφητικά πολυμερή χημικά, τα σφαιρίδια νερού μπορούν να αυξήσουν τον όγκο τους έως και 1.500 φορές όταν τοποθετηθούν σε νερό.

Το πρόβλημα είναι ότι επειδή οι χάντρες νερού μοιάζουν με καραμέλα, τα μικρά παιδιά μπορεί να μπουν στον πειρασμό να τις καταπιούν. Τα παιδιά τα έχουν επίσης βάλει στα αυτιά τους, ακόμη και τα έχουν εισπνεύσει. Οι χάντρες μπορούν να συνεχίσουν να διογκώνονται μόλις εισέλθουν στο σώμα, προκαλώντας αποφρακτικά φαινόμενα και άλλες απειλητικές για τη ζωή καταστάσεις. Οι χάντρες αυτές λόγω του υλικού κατασκευής μπορεί να μην είναι ορατές στις ακτίνες Χ.

Water-absorbing gel beads sold as sensory toys and used in vases and gardens are a growing danger for young children.

What are water beads?

Made of superabsorbent polymer chemicals, water beads are also known as jelly beads, hydro orbs, crystal soil and gel beads. They are also called sensory beads, used as play tools for children with autism and other developmental conditions.

When the tiny, hard plastic balls are placed in water, they can grow up to 100 times their original size. The clear, colorful beads can then be dried out and reused.

Why water beads can be dangerous for young children

The problem is that because water beads look like candy, young children may be tempted to swallow them. Kids also have put the beads in their ears and even inhaled them.

Water beads can absorb body fluids and continue to grow once inside the body, causing blockages and life-threatening damage. They may not be visible on X-rays. The beads are also a choking hazard, especially in children younger than 3 years.

Although water beads are labeled as "non-toxic," the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) also warns about the chemical acrylamide used to make some water beads. Amounts of acrylamide found in some products exceeded the current U.S. safety standard.

There were over 8,000 U.S. emergency department visits related to water beads between 2007–2022. At least one child, a 10-month-old girl, died.

Signs your child may have swallowed water beads

• Refusing to eat

• Lethargy

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Wheezing

• Complaints that something is stuck in the throat or chest

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation

• Abdominal swelling and soreness
  

If you suspect your child swallowed water beads or put them into their ears, seek treatment right away. You can also contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or get online help.

Should water beads for children be banned?

Pediatricians are concerned about children being harmed by water beads. That's why the American Academy of Pediatrics supports the proposed Ban Water Beads Act.

If passed by U.S. lawmakers, the law would direct the CPSC to enforce a ban on all water beads marketed for children's use. This would include those sold as toys, or as educational or art products or materials.

In the meantime, if you have young children, it is safest to not have water beads in your home.