Small polymer balls that absorb water and expand to be the size of a golf ball pose a serious safety hazard to children and should not be used as toys.
Several Australian children have ingested water-absorbing balls (also known as water beads) and have required hospital treatment to have them removed.
The products are small and colourful and can be attractive to young children, who naturally place items in their mouths at early stages of their development.
Once ingested, just one ball can expand inside a child’s body and cause intestinal obstruction, vomiting, severe discomfort and dehydration and may need to be surgically removed.
We understand the balls don’t show up on x-rays which can make diagnosis complicated.
While the balls are commonly used in decorative items such as vases and centrepieces, they have recently been marketed as sensory learning toys for children.
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