Water beads are also known as jelly beads, hydro orbs, crystal soil, sensory beads or orb beads
Health officials in Canada have issued a stark warning over the use of water beads by children and have cited ‘potentially life-threatening injuries’ as one of the reasons why.
The children’s product is sold here in Ireland and can be obtained in toy stores as well as online on platforms like Amazon.
Health Canada issued the warning over the risks posed by water beads – a toy that can grow up to 1,500 times their size when placed in water.
The product is known under a number of names such as jelly beads, hydro orbs, crystal soil, sensory beads or orb beads.
The agency states that they can be fatal if swallowed or cause harm if put in the ears or nose.
If a child ingests the toy, it can continue to grow inside the body – leading to potentially life-threatening injuries, such as intestinal or bowel obstruction.
Water beads are found in several products that are available to kids, like in toys, art kits, stress balls, foot baths, vase fillers, and gardening products.
They are also sold in their dehydrated form in individual containers.
They may be promoted to parents and caregivers of young children, specifically for use in sensory bins, according to Health Canada.
They are typically brightly coloured, and may be mistaken for sweets by young children.
Health Canada also said it has been made aware of several incidents across the globe where children who ingested water beads required surgery.
Parents and caregivers are asked to avoid having these products in homes where children are living.
